Clarifications on dog regulations in Inyo NF
Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2022 5:10 pm
I contacted Inyo NFS and got an official clarification of the rules by someone in the Supervisor's Office - it turns out that the 6 foot leash rule mentioned on the back of permits (where space is limited) is only around people and stock, but that in all other areas an animal must be under voice control. However according to the LEO they reached out for confirmation from, voice control is essentially a 6 foot invisible leash, and dogs are not allowed at any time to be more than 6 feet from their owner unless they're on a retractable leash. So no dogs running up to strangers, no dogs running wild through meadows, no dogs running through the redds in inlet streams, no dogs out of line of sight of the owners, etc. This may seem "cruel" as it keeps dogs at a human pace, but those are the rules, and it is a choice to bring a dog into the wilderness.
Here's the official response on regulations gathered after some back and forth. I thanked them for the clarifications and asked them to update the 2015 PDF when they can find the time to do so as it seems a lot of people think voice control just means your dog can hear you yell its name.
Me: That actually answers all my other questions if I’m reading it right - dogs have to be within 6 feet of their owners at all times.
NFS: You are correct. [then comment on retractable leashes]
Here's the official response on regulations gathered after some back and forth. I thanked them for the clarifications and asked them to update the 2015 PDF when they can find the time to do so as it seems a lot of people think voice control just means your dog can hear you yell its name.
I had sent a further email before I got a response from a previous one (which included a query if the 6 foot rule was just for trails or also included off-trail travel), which prompted this exchange:* Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in campgrounds, developed recreation sites, and on trails near people, horses, or mules.
* Under strict leash control, or at your heel at your command in other areas.
* Don't leave dog unattended or barking excessively.
* Pick up or bury waste 6-8 inches deep and 100 feet away from water, trails, and other campsites.
* Store dog food in bear canisters.
* Keep dog in your tent or car at night.
* Prohibited on trails in the National Parks.
* No dogs Whitney Portal trail past Trail Crest because in National Park.
* $150/violation.
Our law enforcement officers describe a dog under voice control looks exactly like an invisible 6 foot leash. If the dog is farther than 6 feet from the owner, does not respond to a voice command immediately the first time command is given, the dog is not under control.
Most likely you will not have a law enforcement officer handy when you pass by someone with a dog, so you will need to relay to the owner that you are concerned about safely passing and ask them to restrain the dog.
We do give some latitude for people using a retractable leash that is longer than 6 feet because they still have physical control of the dog and can reel them in to less than 6 feet when passing other groups or stock.
Me: That actually answers all my other questions if I’m reading it right - dogs have to be within 6 feet of their owners at all times.
NFS: You are correct. [then comment on retractable leashes]