Columbia Trail and park use by dogs ordinance (§ 17-143)
Chapter 17: Parks and Recreation · Article IV. Conduct Regulations
In short: Dogs must be leashed on city trails and in city parks (except designated dog parks) and kept within four feet of their owner when approaching or approached by other users. Dog waste on a trail or in a park is a violation unless the owner immediately removes and properly disposes of it.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) No person responsible for a dog shall permit the dog to be on any city trail or in any city park, unless the dog is held on a leash. The dog shall be reined in to within four (4) feet of the responsible person whenever it approaches or is approached by another trail or park user. This section does not apply in areas designated as a dog park.
(b) No person responsible for a dog shall permit the dog to defecate upon any city trail or in any city park. It is a specific defense to a charge of violating this section that the person charged immediately removed the deposit and properly disposed of it.
Secs. 17-144, 17-145. - Reserved.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 17-143
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.