11/04/2025
Town of Big Flats local dog laws (these local laws are pretty much mirrored for every Town in New York State plus or minus a few extras) I have had a lot of requests to post.
6.04.020 - Prohibited acts.
1. Any owner of a dog or any other person who harbors any dog in the town shall be in violation of this chapter if such dog:
A. Is not restrained by an adequate collar and leash when not on the property of the owner or any other person harboring or having custody or control of the dog; except when afield for the purpose of small game hunting or dog training on wild game during the time established by the department of environmental conservation; provided, that such dog is under the control and obedient to the commands of the person using such dog for hunting purposes or the trainer thereof;
B. Engages in habitual loud howling or barking or conducts itself in such a manner as to habitually annoy any person other than the person owning or harboring such dog. Specifically, no dog shall be allowed to bark or howl for a period in excess of fifteen (15) consecutive minutes when said barking is audible from beyond the property line of the owner's residence. Intermittent barking shall not be a violation of this section;
C. Causes damage or destruction to property, or defecates, urinates, or otherwise commits a nuisance other than on the premises of the person owning or harboring such dog. It is a further violation of this section if a person walking such dog or dogs does not clean up the excrement created by such dog or dogs.
D. Chases or otherwise harasses any person who is peaceably conducting themselves in any place where they may lawfully be, in such manner as reasonably to cause intimidation or to put such person in reasonable apprehension of bodily harm or injury when not on the property of the person owning or harboring such dog;
E. Chases, leaps on, or otherwise harasses any:
1. Bicycle, motorcycle, automobile or any other vehicle or device used by persons for travel or as a conveyance, or any rider or occupants thereof, or
2. Any cat, dog, or domestic animal;
F. Is unlicensed when four (4) months of age or older, except that dogs lawfully possessed and licensed by a resident of New York City, or licensed by the City of New York; or which is owned by a non-resident of the state and licensed by a jurisdiction outside the state, shall for a period of thirty (30) days be exempt from the licensing and identification provisions;
G. If applicable, is not wearing a current and valid municipal dog license identification tag while at large, whether or not restrained by an adequate collar and leash;
H. Is not redeemed within five (5) days after being notified either personally or by mail that said dog has been seized and impounded pursuant to Section 6.04.050 of this chapter.
I. Is kept on premises or in structures or enclosures that are unclean or unsanitary, or littered with debris, or is not provided good and adequate care.
Normally Town dog laws are located on the Towns website.
Any questions please reach out.
