I n a perfect world, everyone obeys the laws and life goes smoothly all the time as a result. County laws govern Topaz Lake to Lake Tahoe and the length of the Sierra Nevada from just north of Woodfords, Calif., to just south of Carson City. There are laws for livestock and domestic pets, laws pertaining to home businesses and public nuisance, laws regarding outdoor burning and fireplaces, laws for the use of all terrain vehicles and mini motorcycles, and, to the surprise of most county residents, the laws pertaining to all these are largely universal. Included here are some of the most frequently asked questions about laws and regulations here in Douglas County. Animal Issues Douglas County Animal Control enforces laws which pertain primarily to domestic pets.
All laws apply to the entire county.
Douglas County has no leash law per se. If you choose to walk your dog off your property, you may have it unleashed only if the dog is responsive to your verbal commands. For example, if you know your dog is prone to chase after cats or rabbits or anything that moves, you must be able to call the animal back immediately and prevent it from doing so. If you take the dog for a walk, knowing it might chase a horse or another dog, put it on a leash. That way you are not in violation.