Town urges pet owners to obey leash law

The Town of Wake Forest is reminding local dog owners to be good neighbors and great pet owners by obeying Wake County’s leash law.

The Town often receives complaints from residents about dogs running at large – particularly at Town parks and along local greenways. Although Wake Forest does not have an ordinance pertaining to dogs, Wake County Animal Control has jurisdiction to enforce animal control laws within the town and its park system.

Wake County Animal Control Ordinance Section 91.07 (A) (1) states “It shall be unlawful for any owner to permit an animal to be at large.” Section (C) further states “It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having possession, charge, custody or control of any dog to take the dog into or allow the dog to enter any public park without being at all times under the restraint of a leash unless the park is designated as a dog park.”

Section 91.99 (B) (1) details the civil penalties and fees associated with violations of the “Animals at Large” ordinance.

Dog owners looking for a place where their pets can run free safely and legally without a leash are encouraged to consider Flaherty Dog Park, 1100 N. White St. Approximately two acres in size, the park is open from dawn to dusk and located adjacent to the Flaherty Park baseball and softball fields. For more information about Flaherty Dog Park, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Flaherty Dog Park.”

To report an animal control problem, including dogs running at large, call Wake County Animal Control at 919-212-PETS (7387).