Moses loves to run. He is my 4-year-old Weimeraner with so much energy, I have to take him out for a long walk at least once a day or he’s 80 pounds of growling flesh around the house. The more walking, running, and playing he gets daily the better. As the old saying goes, “A tired dog is a good dog.”
Whoever came up with that saying must have had a Weimeraner, I am sure of it.
When we take Moses out, we have to be cognizant of the local laws for allowing dogs to play and run free. Some municipalities have strict rules dictating where, when, and how a dog can play. Living by Lake Travis has given us a plethora of parks and trails to venture down and explore, and learning the leash laws around the area has given us a bit of insight into the rules of owning a dog in the area.
If you are a Lakeway resident, chances are you already know of the statute concerning leash laws, but it’s easy to forget once your furry friend takes off in a field to chase after a rogue frisbee.
Lakeway Leash Laws
When it’s time to take our pup out for his afternoon walk, Moses knows the drill. We harness him and then leash him up so we always have the final say in where he walks. When we don’t, animals such as rabbits, deer and birds have a tendency to distract him and draw him away from our walking path.
The City of Lakeway specifies their pet leash law; all dogs must be under physical control at all times and are not allowed to run free and at large in public spaces. The exception to this rule is in specially designated areas such as Bark Park in Lakeway’s City Park. There we go to let Moses tear across the gravel and play with other Lake Travis area pooches. When we leave for our walk back to the car, back on the leash he goes. It’s better for both parties when Moses stays on track.
In addition, the leash you are using also has some specifications to follow. No leash may extend over 16 feet—another important fact to have in mind when shopping around for proper pet gear. Be mindful of those extender leashes as some have been known to stretch up to 25 feet or more.
Fines & Penalties
Lakeway does have penalties for not restraining dogs properly. The first fine starts out at $150 for leash law offenses and can add up pretty quickly if you have multiple infractions. Owners with multiple dogs and professional dog walkers must be aware of these laws as well. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind; if you are not on your personal property, it’s best and safest to have your dog on a leash at all times.
