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West Hartford Passes Townwide Leash Law
West Hartford’s Town Council unanimously adopted a new ordinance on June 23, 2026, requiring dogs to be leashed on all public property throughout the town. The law was driven by a steady rise in dog bite incidents across the community and extends the town’s existing leash requirements beyond parks and playgrounds to sidewalks, streets, and trails.
What the New Ordinance Requires
Under the expanded ordinance, dog owners and keepers in West Hartford must restrain their dogs with a leash no longer than six feet while on any town-owned property. Previously, the town’s leash requirement applied only to parks and playgrounds.
The only exception is inside enclosed dog parks designated by the town manager. The West Hartford Police Department will enforce the law by issuing citations. Fines start at $25 for a first offense, increase to $50 for a second, and reach $99 for a third or subsequent violation within the same calendar year.
Why the Town Council Acted
West Hartford’s Animal Control officer reported 64 dog bite incidents since 2023 and responded to more than 100 roaming dog calls between 2023 and 2025. Town Manager Rick Ledwith told the Council the ordinance creates a single, townwide standard rather than a patchwork of rules that covered only certain locations.
Connecticut does not have a statewide leash law. However, state law does prohibit owners from allowing dogs to roam at large on another person’s property or on public highways without being under the owner’s control. West Hartford’s ordinance goes a step further by requiring a physical leash on all public property at all times.
Dog Bite Liability in Connecticut
Whether or not a local leash ordinance is in place, Connecticut holds dog owners strictly liable when their animal injures someone. The owner or keeper is financially responsible for damages the dog causes, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before. People unfamiliar with Connecticut dog bite laws often don’t realize the victim does not need to prove the owner was careless.
The only recognized exceptions are that the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing another wrongful act. And when dogs bite children under seven, the law presumes the child was not at fault.
What a Dog Bite Victim May Recover
Residents who file dog bite claims in Connecticut may seek compensation for:
- Medical treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation
- Lost wages during recovery
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional distress from the attack
Dog bite compensation depends on the severity of the injury, the circumstances of the attack, and the long-term impact on the victim’s daily life. A bite that causes infection, nerve damage, or permanent scarring typically results in a higher claim value.
Talk to a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Hartford, CT
Leash laws exist to prevent bites, but they don’t eliminate them. If you or someone in your family has been injured by a dog in the Hartford area, a Hartford, CT dog bite injury lawyer can help you evaluate your claim and determine what steps to take next. Brown Paindiris & Scott, LLP has handled personal injury settlements involving dog bites throughout Connecticut for decades. Reach out to our team to discuss what happened.
