Michigan Dog Leash Laws: An Overview
In general, Michigan dog owners are obligated to keep their dogs on a leash or lead at all times while they are off their property. While local ordinances may vary slightly, the primary obligation imposed on dog owners is uniform when it comes to keeping their dogs leashed in Michigan.
Specifically, Michigan Compiled Laws § 287.262 requires that animal owners "keep their animals properly secured and restrained on the premises of the owner , keep them inside or in an enclosed kennel and fenced yard during those times that the animals are not on the premises, or keep them secured by a collar or harness and a leash or chain no longer than 6 feet in length," unless an exception applies.
Under Michigan law, the failure to properly restrain a dog can have significant legal consequences. For example, a violation of Michigan leash laws can result in criminal fines and potentially serious civil liability for personal injuries or property damage caused by the dog.
City-Specific Leash Laws
City and county ordinances can create differences in leash laws around the state. There are some cities that have different rules for Americans with disabilities, and some cities such as East Lansing with specially designated dog parks. In the Detroit area, there is no nose to tail length on an owner’s property. In cases where counties have preempted local ordinances, the local ordinances remain valid if they give greater protection than the county preemption.
Michigan municipalities may adopt local ordinances dealing with the running at large of domestic animals, including dogs. In Portage Township, a dog alone or accompanied by his owner shall be deemed to be running at large when it is not upon the premises of the owner or a member of the owner’s household: unless the dog is on the premises of another person with his or her express or implied consent and under the control of that person, or unless the dog is in the custody of a person and effectively restrained by a substantial chain or leash.
Ordinances in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo specify less than 10-feet in length for dogs, however, collars of 20-inches in diameter are allowed. The City of Pontiac addresses the duties of owners of dogs that are prohibited from running at large: "You must keep the dog indoors or contained on your property by a 6′ fence or an electronic ‘fence’ until you are able to keep the dog under restraint on a 6′ lead on your property or private property with expressed consent."
Some cities such as Roseville and Warren have wording that allows the animal to be on an owner’s property or property with expressed consent without restriction. Michigan, with its many dog friendly parks, locations, and events, has become a leader in dog friendly spaces.
Cities such as Livonia and Lynwood allow an unleashed dog to enter an owner operated business unless stated otherwise. The City of Eastpointe ordinances do not allow a dog in any public place without a muzzle, a soft muzzle allowing the animal to breathe and drink water is permitted.
The City of Auburn Hills ordinances contain 1) Running at Large; 2) Fouling; 3) Records of Purchases of Licenses; 4) Rabies Vaccination Lookup; and 5) Reimbursement for Bite Incidents.
Ingham County preempted the City of East Lansing local ordinance regarding animals running at large and prohibits animals from running at large in the following counties: Barry, Bay, Benzie, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Clare, Clinton, Emmet, Genesee, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Manistee, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Oakland, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Joseph, VanBuren, Wayne, and Wexford.
Oakland County requires a leash of not more than 6 feet and leads dogs to sanitation facilities, which include a plastic bag, scoop, or pail and a cleaning tool, suitably furnished or approved by the County Animal Control Officer.
Leash laws, dog parks, the scope of dangling leashes, and dog shows. State Dog Show – Michigan Pugfest, Detroit November 2017.
Leash Law Exceptions
In Michigan, there are a few exceptions to the leash law when it comes to a dog being within a safely fenced area, typically a yard or place where a dog is permitted. If a person has a dog that is known to be aggressive or otherwise dangerous to the point that leashing or muzzling the animal in public is required for the protection of people, animals, or property, then it should not be off-lead outside of the safety of a home, property, or other enclosed area.
Some communities allow designated off-leash areas, typically at parks or dog training facilities, as a part of their laws, with policies in place for managing dog owners so problems don’t get out of hand.
Most dog parks, for instance, require that a dog’s owner sign an agreement that states the dog’s vaccination information is up to date, that the owner will maintain control of the dog, and that he or she is responsible for any injuries, damages, or nuisances that result from the animal’s behavior. The agreement typically states that if the dog injures a person or animal, its owner is fully liable. It will also state that if the dog is unhealthy, dangerous, or unruly, then the park rules will apply with the owner being liable for any injuries, damages or nuisances.
There is also a general exception for service dogs. While they must be on-lead when in public areas, there aren’t leash length requirements—if their handler does not have the capacity to manage a standard-length leash, for instance, longer leashes can be permitted.
Dog Leash Law Violations and Penalties
If a dog owner is found to have violated Lansing’s leash law, several potential penalties and fines can be imposed. First, the dog owner may be subject to a municipal civil infraction ticket under MCL 117.5(i). The fine for a municipal civil infraction violation is up to $500.00. The municipal civil infraction ticket would be issued by a police department or dog enforcement officer. So your neighbor’s Australian Shepherd running free on your private property may result in municipal civil infraction tickets for the dog owner as well as the dog’s owner. Importantly, many of these dog owners may not be familiar with Lansing’s leash law. It will be up to you to directly inform them of the law and provide them with the Lansing municipal code or link to it. It is highly unlikely that the dog owner will "forgive" the neighbor trespassing on their property merely because they did not know that their Australian Shepherd must be legally restrained by a leash within your 6-foot fence. It is highly likely that they will report your neighbor trespassing to the police. The police will likely arrest their neighbor for third degree trespass, Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.552(3).
Second, an animal control officer may visit the dog owners’ home and preform an annual wellness check that ensures the dog receives the proper vaccinations, is medically healthy and is properly cared for , such as having food and water. If the officer determines the owner has not properly cared for the dog or calls for further action, the dog may be seized and impounded at the owner’s expense under Mich. Comp. Laws § 287.288 Under this statute, the dog owner will also face additional costs in terms of fines and bond or bail to be released from the Lansing animal shelter, which is a nuisance and further damage for most dog owners who otherwise support the animal shelter in Lansing.
Third, the dog owner could face criminal charges for an animal cruelty violation under Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.50. The maximum penalty for this offense is one (1) year of imprisonment and a fine of $1,000.00, which is a misdemeanor. The offense involves any attempt to violate, instigate, promote or carry a dog not on a secured leash upon a road, street, alley or park without the animal having been spayed, neutered or properly vaccinated under Mich. Comp. Laws § 287.388.
Finally, the violations outlined above may result in the dog owner losing all rights, privileges, property and personal effects in or to the animals and may be subject to the execution of the dog(s) by the division of animal control under Mich. Comp. Laws § 287.287.
Therefore, given the significant penalties and punishment associated with Michigan’s leash laws, it is vital to ensure that dogs are properly leashed to avoid unforeseen problems.
Responsible Dog Ownership: Key Considerations
Being a responsible dog owner is about more than your dog being loyal and loving, and more than petting the head of Fido or Fifi after they’ve been good. A huge part of being a dog owner is ensuring your beloved pet is kept safe and does not pose a danger to anyone else. When it comes to dog safety, keeping your dog on a leash when outside in public is crucial. Leash laws are prevalent in Michigan, and dog owners should be well aware of these laws to protect themselves from the potential liability of a dog bite injury that results from allowing an unleashed dog to run free.
For dog owners in Michigan, here are some tips to help you keep your dog on a leash when outside: The best leash length for your dog is one that keeps them secure while still allowing the proper range of movement. Your dog should only be able to reach and walk a few feet in front of you and should be close enough to be controlled easily, without creating restrictions on their ability to sniff or jump. A retractable leash, one that is secured to your waist, will allow your dog to roam a distance of several feet. These leashes are useful for lengthy trips but require more attention and care from the owner. The drawback of the retractable leash is that some come with a button that can slip during use, causing the dog to run further than intended. It’s important to monitor the leash for healthy wear and tear to ensure it’s functioning properly. Also, take care to avoid wrapping the leash around various objects while out on walks, as it can quickly cause the dog to become tangled. A rope or chain leash is often considered to be the safest, most durable option available. It’s critical that your dog is familiar with commands like sit, stay, side, and heel, as these commands will help you be in control of your dog while on a leash. That way, should other people or animals enter the dog’s range, they can be controlled with the commands rather than the leash. Take care to incentivize good behavior so they want to respond to your commands. This is especially important in high-traffic areas. When on a leash, your dog should be walking to your left side, parallel with your body. It is best practice to maintain this posture with the dog instead of allowing it to walk ahead of you. This will prevent the dog from straying too far from you when on its leash. Further, allowing the dog to walk ahead of you may indicate to other people that the dog’s natural tendency is to run towards objects ahead, which may make others think your dog is unfriendly in nature. Taking your dog on walks and running them frequently is a good way to exercise your dog, thus helping to release pent-up energy. Dogs that run free are more likely to encounter stimuli that can trigger aggressive reactions, but those that are on leashes are much less likely to do so. Keeping your dog on a leash will also allow you to stay in control of their actions and move as necessary to prevent unnecessary confrontations with other people or pets. Leash laws are present in many regions in Michigan, and for good reason. Dogs that do not abide by these laws are more likely to cause injury to other people and pets, and pose a greater risk to the community. It’s critical that the dog’s owner be responsible and always keep their dog on a leash when outside in public.
Upcoming Proposals and Changes
Potential Developments in Leash Legislation
As with any set of laws, proposed changes in the leash laws for Michigan are constantly being discussed. Potential legislative proposals, amendments, and even updates at the local levels can all affect how these laws will be enforced in the future.
One of the most prominent of such discussions centers around the need to better accommodate the service animals that accompany disabled individuals. Pet owners and service animal handlers agree that while effective leash laws are necessary for public safety, much-needed exceptions should be made for service animals. Not only do many service dogs require a designated area to complete important tasks, but the current leash laws do not provide way for service and therapy animals to do their job when it comes to helping with psychiatric-related disabilities. For this reason, a proposed amendment to the existing Michigan Compiled Laws is under discussion, which would explicitly allow for service dogs to be exempt from needing to be on a leash . The definition of a service dog would include those trained to assist those with mental and emotional impairments, as well those with physical disabilities. While support animal advocates argue that all handlers should be permitted the same level of exception whether their dog is a service dog or not, some proponents of the amended leash laws insist that additional "checks" on support animal handlers are essential to ensuring public safety.
In addition to these proposed amendments on the state level, there are additional community efforts to update monotone statutes. Local officials argue that these laws are in need of a rework, and several local municipalities are considering their own leash laws, policing, and enforcement. As such, there may be changes on the horizon, including those that exempt certain neighborhoods or municipalities from the prior "one-size-fits-all" legislation.