Detroit does not require cat licenses but mandates rabies vaccination under Michigan law, prohibits abandonment, and authorizes Animal Care and Control to impound stray or aggressive cats running at large.
Unlike dogs, cats are not subject to a Detroit license tag, but Michigan Public Health Code requires rabies vaccination for cats over four months. DACC operates a trap-neuter-return-friendly approach with rescue partners for community cats; intentional abandonment violates MCL §750.50. Owners are responsible for nuisance behavior such as repeated property damage or unsanitary feeding stations attracting rodents, which BSEED can cite as blight. Indoor confinement is encouraged but not mandated. Lost cats found by DACC are held a minimum stray period before adoption or rescue transfer.
Abandonment is misdemeanor up to 93 days jail; nuisance citations begin around $100 and rise with repeats; impound and boarding fees apply on reclaim.
Detroit, MI
Detroit prohibits feeding of deer and waterfowl under Chapter 6. Michigan DNR also bans baiting and feeding of deer in Zone 3 (Lower Peninsula) under CWD reg...
Detroit, MI
Detroit requires dogs to be leashed or confined. Michigan Dog Law (MCL §287.261 et seq.) requires licensing. Dog at large violations carry owner liability.
See how Detroit's cat rules rules stack up against other locations.
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