Posted by Waste Happy
on September 10, 2026
Quick answer: Yes. New Haven requires dog owners to pick up after their dogs under New Haven Code of Ordinances Sec. 7-4. A court can impose up to $250. You are also required to carry a means of removal whenever you walk your dog.
What the New Haven ordinance says
| Ordinance | New Haven Code of Ordinances Sec. 7-4; Ord. of 1-3-77, Ord. No. 1400 (1-3-2006), Ord. No. 1849 (11-8-2018) |
|---|---|
| Fine | Up to $250 |
| Must carry a bag | Yes |
| Service animal exemption | Yes |
How the penalty works
No set amount. 7-4(f): a fine 'up to the maximum amount authorized by state statutes or this Code per offense.' The general state cap on municipal ordinance penalties is $250 (CGS 7-148(c)(10)(A)).
The carry rule
Yes. 7-4(b): an owner or keeper may not appear with the animal in any public place (sidewalk, street, gutter, park, playground, beach or footpath) without a means of removal, defined as any tool, implement or device carried to pick up and contain feces. Service dogs: 7-4(e) exempts a trained, duly certified service dog; dogs whose only function is comfort or emotional support do not qualify.
How New Haven compares
Unlike Bridgeport ($150) and Stamford ($100), New Haven has no set ticket, so the amount is decided when a citation is heard. New Haven is also stricter than Bridgeport and Stamford on carrying: here the empty pocket is itself the offense.
In practice
Because New Haven requires you to carry a way to clean up, the simplest way to stay on the right side of it is to keep bags on the leash itself, so they leave the house every time the dog does. The Walk Dispenser clips to the leash and holds a full roll.
Elsewhere in Connecticut
Connecticut dog poop laws covers the state and its other large cities. Nearby: Stamford dog poop law. All 50 states.
Source
Checked 2026-09-10 against the New Haven municipal code. Codes change, so read the current version before relying on this for an actual citation.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
