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Mosinee, WI Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Sec. 10-3(f), dangerous and menacing dogs
Liability insurance
At least $100,000.00 required
Enclosure size
Minimum 5 ft by 10 ft, locked
Registration deadline
Annually by January 1st
Unregistered penalty
$100.00 to $250.00 forfeiture per day
Leash limit
3-foot lead, muzzled in public

Summary

The City of Mosinee requires the owner of a police-declared "dangerous" or "menacing" dog to register the animal, muzzle and leash it in public, carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance, and keep it in a locked, secure five-by-ten-foot pen at home under section 10-3(f). Violators face daily forfeitures and must remove the dog from the city.

Dangerous dog, as used in this chapter, means: (1)Any dog which, because of its aggressive nature, training or characteristic behavior, is capable of inflicting serious physical harm or death to humans or another animal, and which would constitute a danger to human life or property if it were not kept in the manner required by this chapter; and(2)Any dog which, when unprovoked, habitually chases or approaches a person in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack on public or private property. ... c.All owners of dangerous dogs shall, on or before September 1, 2008 and annually thereafter on or before January 1st of each year, register their dog and shall provide a current color photograph of the dog to the city clerk's office and pay a registration fee as determined by resolution of the common council.d.At the time of registration, each owner of any dangerous dog kept within the city limits shall provide to the city clerk's office proof of liability insurance in the amount of at least $100,000.00 for any acts of property damage or liability incurred by virtue of injury inflicted by such dog.

Full Breakdown

Mosinee defines a "dangerous dog" in section 10-2 as one that, because of its aggressive nature, training, or characteristic behavior, is capable of inflicting serious harm or death, or that habitually chases or menaces people unprovoked; a "menacing dog" is judged on similar behavioral factors. Once the police chief determines a dog meets either definition, section 10-3(f) lets the owner keep it in the city only by following strict conditions. 00 naming the city as co-insured for cancellation notice. At home, a dangerous dog must stay indoors or inside a locked pen at least five feet by ten feet with secure sides and a secure top, buried two feet into the ground if it has no floor, and it cannot be kept where a porch, patio, or a screen door alone would let it escape.

Off the property, it must wear a muzzle and a lead no longer than three feet under an able-bodied adult's control. A menacing dog must be leashed on its own owner's property and muzzled in any public place. Owners must notify the police department immediately if the dog escapes, attacks, dies, or changes hands. Anyone who suspects an unregistered dangerous dog must file a sworn affidavit with the police department describing the dog and its owner.

Violations & Fines

An owner who fails to keep the dog's registration current must remove it from the city and cannot re-register it, and someone charged with harboring an unregistered dangerous dog must remove the dog within 48 hours of a citation or the police department impounds it pending trial. Failing to register a dangerous dog draws a forfeiture of $100.00 to $250.00 per day, with every day of noncompliance a separate offense, and the owner also owes the city's shelter, veterinary, and expert-witness costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who decides if a dog is "dangerous" in Mosinee?
The Mosinee chief of police makes that call under section 10-3(f)(2). After investigating a complaint, the police department notifies the owner in writing and provides a copy of the ordinance, and the owner must then meet the registration, insurance, and enclosure rules to keep the dog in the city.
What insurance does a dangerous dog owner need?
Section 10-3(f)(2)d requires at least $100,000.00 of liability insurance covering injury or property damage the dog causes, with the City of Mosinee named as co-insured for notice of any cancellation. Proof must be refiled at the city clerk's office every year when the dog's license is renewed.
Can a dangerous dog be kept on a porch or patio in Mosinee?
No. Section 10-3(f)(2)f bars keeping a dangerous dog anywhere in a structure, including a porch or patio, that would let it exit on its own, and it cannot be left in a room where only a window screen or screen door stands between the dog and the outdoors.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Mosinee

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How Mosinee compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Mosinee to another location·View the Wisconsin animal ordinances overview

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