New leash rule for Cole County parks after loose dog complaint

COLE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Cole County Commission decided on Tuesday dogs at Brooks, County and Thoenen parks must be kept on leashes.

After a resident complaint about a loose dog in a county park in fall 2025, commissioners voted unanimously to pass an animal leash and waste ordinance for all three county parks.

There is no leash law that covers all of Cole County, according to the city's website. Whether pets are leashed depends on county or specific municipality ordinances.

"Urban Service Areas, such as Westview Heights, and county municipalities may be subject to leash laws," the county says.

The commission moved forward on the decision to set an ordinance last month.

In Jefferson City, dogs are required to be on leashes at all city-owned parks, except the North Jefferson Recreation Area Dog Park.

After the loose dog complaint in Cole County and community support, the parks committee recommended in December that the county have a leash rule for its parks. Cole County attorney Jill LaHue said she and the public works department would work on language for the new rules.

"All pet animals within a Cole County park shall remain under the immediate control of the owner at all times," the ordinance states. "All pet animals at a Cole County park shall be on a lease at all times within park boundaries, except in clearly marked designated off-leash areas."

Cole County Public Works Director Eric Landwehr said off-leash areas could include any future county dog parks.

The ordinance also says any person in charge or control of a pet animal must remove its waste and throw it away in "designated receptacles."

Not leashing a pet or properly throwing away its waste will result in a fine up to $400.

Tuesday's Cole County Commission meeting began at 9 a.m.