Stephen Schultz | January 3, 2026 | Dog Bites
If a loose dog bites you in St. Louis, the owner could be on the hook for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Missouri’s dog bites statutes and local leash laws work together to protect residents and hold negligent owners accountable.
Whether you’re a dog owner who wants to stay on the right side of the law or someone who’s been injured by a neighbor’s pet, understanding these regulations matters. Here’s what St. Louis residents need to know about local leash requirements and Missouri’s liability laws.
St. Louis City Leash Law Requirements
St. Louis City requires dogs to be leashed whenever they are off the owner’s property, as outlined in Chapter 10.04 of the Revised Code of the City of St. Louis. Leashes may not exceed six feet and must be held at all times by someone capable of controlling the dog.
The law applies on public streets, sidewalks, parks, businesses, and other private property. The main exception is city-designated dog parks, where dogs may be off leash if they remain under the owner’s visual and voice control.
Dogs classified as dangerous face stricter rules, including restraint and muzzling when off the owner’s property. Violations can result in fines ranging from $100 to $500 per offense, and Animal Care and Control may impound dogs found running at large.
St. Louis County Leash Regulations
Missouri grants municipal corporations the express power to regulate dogs, resulting in substantial variation in requirements, enforcement, and penalties across jurisdictions. In unincorporated areas of St. Louis County, Section 611.200 of the St. Louis County Municipal Code applies.
The law prohibits dogs from running at large instead of instituting a mandatory leash requirement. However, dogs permitted in county parks must be on a rope, cord, or leash that is no more than six feet in length and held by someone who can control the dog.
Incorporated municipalities within St. Louis County maintain independent leash ordinances. Dog owners should check their local laws to ensure compliance, as the laws may vary between incorporated municipalities.
Missouri Dog Bite Liability Laws
Owner liability for dog bite injuries is codified in Mo. Rev. Stat. § 273.036. According to Missouri law, owners are strictly liable for injuries and damages caused by their dogs.
Victims can recover economic and non-economic damages under strict liability if they prove:
- A dog bit and injured them
- They were lawfully on public or private property
- They did not provoke the dog
The dog owner can be strictly liable for damages even if they had no prior knowledge that their dog was aggressive. The state does not employ a “one bite rule” for dog bite claims.
Injured victims can also sue dog owners for damages under negligence if the dog attacks them but does not bite them. For example, a dog may claw someone without biting them, causing injury. In that situation, the victim must prove the owner was negligent to recover damages.
How Leash Law Violations Affect Dog Bite Claims
Violations of leash laws can strengthen a negligence claim. The owner was required by law to restrain the dog, establishing a duty of care. Failing to follow the law was a breach of duty. Under negligence per se, violating a law automatically proves negligence if the violation causes the type of harm the law intended to prevent.
To sue for a dog bite injury, the injured victim would still need to prove causation. The evidence must show that the owner’s violation of the leash law caused the victim to be injured and that the victim sustained damages from the dog bite.
Negligence per se is not an absolute cause of action. The owner could still argue contributory fault or other defenses. Therefore, prompt legal advice is always in a victim’s best interest.
Reporting Leash Law Violations and Dangerous Dogs
Non-emergency reports in St. Louis City can be made to the Citizens’ Service Bureau during regular business hours. For immediate danger or distress, contact St. Louis Animal Care and Control. For emergencies or when the ACC is closed, call the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
For St. Louis County, contact St. Louis County Animal Care & Control to report violations or dangerous dogs. For emergencies, call 911.
Contact the St. Louis Dog Bite Attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you were bitten by a dog in St. Louis and believe the owner violated leash laws or other safety requirements, Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers can evaluate your case and help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact us for a free consultation with our St. Louis dog bite injury lawyers.
Dog bites can change your life in an instant. If you’ve been hurt by a dog bite, call Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers now to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis dog bite attorney. We’ll review your case for free and help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.
Contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
319 N 4th Street, Suite 835, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 702-3285
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124
(314) 912-3302
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 350-4021
