Chesterfield County passes stricter leash laws and stiffer off-leash fines

Driving the news: The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors last week approved updated language to the county's existing ordinance prohibiting off-leash dogs on public property, VPM reports.

• The updates clarified the language that previously just required a dog to be under an owner's "immediate control" on public property.
• Now, county code defines immediate control as "a physical leash directly connecting the dog to the owner/custodian" — or one that is "clearly obedient to commands and remains in close proximity" to its owner.
• Officials also upped the minimum fine from $25 to $50, and allowed for a $100 fine if the multiple dogs are off-leash.

Of note: There are exceptions for designated off-leash areas at parks, service and working animals, plus ones hunting or training with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Yes, and: At the same meeting, Chesterfield also passed new rules requiring county residents to keep their livestock — including chickens — in check and on their own property at all times.

The bottom line: Chesterfield's days of free-range dogs, chickens and cows are no more.