With respect to animals, the Edmond Code of Ordinances is similar to laws in most communities. Edmond citizens may possess no more than four dogs over the age of six months. The same limitations apply to cats.

     Edmond has what is commonly known as a “leash law,” that provides it is unlawful for pet owners to permit their pets to be at large at any time within the Edmond city limits. This law applies not only to dogs but cats, birds, and fowl. There is an exception for homing pigeons that are being supervised, and for dogs in dog parks, as explained in this article.

     Moreover, Edmond requires pet owners to “immediately remove and dispose of in a sanitary manner any solid waste deposited” by the pet, on sidewalks, parks, alleys, or other places open to the public, as well as others’ private property. The Edmond Code requires owners, keepers, or persons having control of any animal or fowl to “have in his/her possession the equipment necessary to remove his/her animal’s solid waste when accompanied by said animal or fowl on public property.”

     The leash law does not apply within Edmond’s dog park. There, dog owners 18 years of age or older, or who are accompanied by someone 18 years or older, may permit their dogs to run unleashed, during the parks hours of operation. Obviously, the owner must remain in the park with the animal.

     Importantly, while using the park, the dog owner accepts all responsibility and liability for damages and injury to or by his or her dog to any persons and property. Owners should thus be careful about bringing dogs that may not interact well with other dogs, or with strangers. Owners are allowed to bring only two dogs at a time, and may not bring a female dog in heat. The dog park may not be used by persons engaging in commercial dog walking or dog care services. Every dog must wear a collar bearing its rabies tag while in the park.

     For more information about Edmond Ordinances applicable to pet owners, go to http://edmondok.com/, click on “Search City Ordinances,” and you will find a link to the Edmond Code of Ordinances.