Carthage, Missouri

Sec. 4-7. Dogs running at large.

(a) All dogs within the city must be confined in a fenced area, pen or building unless on a leash not longer than six (6) feet in length with the leash being physically controlled by a person. Such fenced area, pen or building must secure the dog in such a way as to prevent it from leaving the area in which secured without human assistance. At no time may any dog be tied to or leashed to inanimate objects such as trees, posts, buildings, etc.

(b) Any person found guilty of violating this section shall be subject to a penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00) for first offense, one hundred dollars ($100.00) for second offense within a twelve-month period, two hundred dollars ($200.00) for the third or subsequent offense within a twelve-month period. However, if said dog has been spayed or neutered and the owner of said dog provides proof that said animal has been spayed or neutered the fines levied above shall be reduced to the sum of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for first offense, fifty dollars ($50.00) for second offense within a twelve-month period, and one hundred dollars ($100.00) for third or subsequent offense within a twelve-month period.