Expert: Stephen Vantassel - 4/8/2001

Question
what laws or ordinances are we subject to when we live outside the city/town limits? Can we be fined if our dog left our property? The neighbors cat came on our property and our dog chased it home. Is it legal for a cat to be off of a property and not a dog?  

Answer
First of all you need to contact a lawyer. I am not a lawyer. However, painfully few states have leash laws on cats. Dogs are another matter. Many states require that the dog be under at least voice command. If you are no where to be seen it could very well be seen as your fault whatever the dog does.  is it fair? No. but the cat lobby is strong.