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New LA policy designed to boost leash-law enforcement
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Sep 23, 2014
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New LA policy designed to boost leash-law enforcement
Dog owners in Los Angeles aren't supposed to let their pets frolic off leash, but it's rare for anyone to get a citation. Now, the City Council has adopted a system designed to increase enforcement.
Macho walks down the street, on leash Nic Adler / Flickr Creative Commons
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Dog owners in Los Angeles aren't supposed to let their pets frolic off leash, but it's rare for anyone to get a citation. Now, the City Council has adopted a system designed to increase enforcement.

Not every law in the books gets enforced. 

Case in point: Los Angeles' dog leash laws. Dog owners in Los Angeles aren't supposed to let their pets frolic off leash, but it's rare for anyone to get a citation.

That could change. As the Los Angeles Times reports, the LA City Council's Public Safety and Personnel and Welfare and Animal Services committees have recommended the adoption of a pilot program designed to increase enforcement for what the city calls minor "quality of life" infractions. So, letting your pooch roam free could set you back $250 or more.

Steve Brooks, a professional dog trainer and the author of the upcoming book, "Dog Bites with Steve Brooks," says even the most well-trained dog should be on leash for the safety of pets and their owners.