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Delaware Code Title 16. Health and Safety § 3048F. Dogs running at large

Current as of January 01, 2026 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a)(1) Unless exempted under this section, a dog may not run at large outside at any time.  A dog must be secured by means of a leash that is capable of physically restraining the movement of the dog.  A dog is not at large if it is within the real property limits of its owner, or on private property with permission, or within a vehicle being driven or parked.

(2) The following dogs are exempt from the leash requirements and need only be at heel or under reasonable control of a competent person and obedient to the person's command.

a. Working dogs, which are dogs that are not merely pets but that learn and perform tasks to assist their human companions, and include dogs trained to hunt, herd, assist law enforcement or search and rescue personnel, or assist persons with disabilities, while actively engaged in performing such functions.

b. Dogs within a designated “off-leash” dog park or area, or within an area permitted by a governmental entity, including a municipality, and attended by the dog's owner or custodian.

(3) Allowing a dog to run at large is a violation of this section and carries the following penalties:

a. For a first violation, a civil penalty of $50.

b. For a subsequent violation within 12 months of a prior violation, a civil penalty of $200.  The minimum civil penalty for a subsequent violation may not be suspended.

(b) Repealed by 82 Laws 2020, ch. 238, § 2.

(1), (2) Repealed by 82 Laws 2020, ch. 238, § 2.

(3) Repealed by 83 Laws 2021, ch. 158, § 2.

(c) Repealed by 84 Laws 2024, ch. 390, § 3.

(d) Whoever, being the owner, custodian, possessor, or harborer of any dog that while running at large and without provocation, bites a human being or domestic animal, provided the domestic animal was on the property of its owner or under the immediate control of its owner, will be penalized as follows:

(1) For a first violation, a civil penalty of $500.

(2) For a subsequent violation, a civil penalty of $1,000.  The minimum civil penalty for a subsequent violation may not be suspended.

(e) Repealed by 84 Laws 2024, ch. 390, § 3.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Delaware Code Title 16. Health and Safety § 3048F. Dogs running at large - last updated January 01, 2026 | https://codes.findlaw.com/de/title-16-health-and-safety/de-code-sect-16-3048f/

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