What Laws Do I Need to Know as a Dog Owner?

• County Laws (Title 5, Animals): Clackamas County dog owners must obey county code. A revised code went into effect October 1, 2010.
• County Laws on Preventive Fences: It is unlawful for dogs to run at large in Clackamas County. Any Peace Officer or Dog Services Officer may impound a dog that is found running at large.
• State Laws on Disease Control
• State Laws on Animal Control: A dog is a public nuisance per ORS 609.095 if it..
  • Chases vehicles or people.
  • Damages or destroys property of others.
  • Scatters garbage.
  • Trespasses on private property.
  • Disturbs any person by frequent or prolonged noise.
  • Is a female in heat and running at large.
• State Laws on Dogs and Livestock.
  • No dog owner or keeper of a dog shall permit a dog to chase, kill, wound or injure livestock not belonging to the owner or keeper of such dog.
  • The owner or keeper of a dog that has injured or killed livestock is responsible for any amount up to double the amount of damages.
  • Any dog (whether licensed or not) which; while off premises owned or under the control of its owner; kills, wounds, or injures any livestock not belonging to the master of such dog is a public nuisance and may be killed immediately by any person. (ORS 609.150)