Winnebago County, WI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 9.20 of the Winnebago County General Code, adopted under Wis. Stat. §59.54(22) and ch. 174, incorporates Wis. Stat. §174.042 (dogs running at large and untagged dogs subject to impoundment; penalties) and the §174.001 definitions by reference, making them enforceable by the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office in unincorporated areas. Under Wis. Stat. §174.02, a dog is "running at large" when off the premises of its owner and not under the control of some person; control does not strictly require a physical leash, but in practice a leash is the only reliable way to demonstrate control. Strict liability applies for damage caused by a dog running at large. Wis. Stat. §174.042 authorizes the Sheriff or any peace officer to impound dogs running at large and sets the forfeiture range. Wis. Stat. §174.05 through §174.10 require annual dog licensing and rabies vaccination. Section 9.29 of the Winnebago County Code separately establishes a Rabies Control Program. Within Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, and the smaller villages, the city or village ordinance controls and explicitly requires a leash off the owner's property; many of those ordinances also adopt Wis. Stat. ch. 174 by reference. Service animals and trained working dogs are generally exempt while on duty.