Winnebago County, WI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max leash length
- 6 feet
- Off-leash areas
- 2 designated dog parks only
- Scope
- County park property only
- Penalty
- $100 first offense (Ch. 25)
Summary
On Winnebago County park property, dogs and other domesticated animals must stay on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, with narrow on-leash exceptions for boat landings and the Community Park shared path. It's a park rule, not a county-wide leash law for the towns.
With the exceptions as noted in Section 19.13(1) no person shall bring or permit any domesticated animal onto Park property at any time unless the animal is on a leash of suitable strength with a maximum length of six (6) feet.
(3) The following rules shall apply for the Best Friends Dog Park located in the Community Park and the Jerry Finch Winnebago County Dog Park located in Fox Crossing
(a) Dog owners use the park at their own risk.
(b) Dog owners are responsible for the actions and behavior of their dog.
(c) Dogs must be leashed until the dog is within the fenced perimeter of the dog park.
(d) Dogs must wear a collar or harness at all times.
(e) Owners must carry a leash at all times.
(f) Dogs must be under supervision and control at all times.
(g) Clean up dog waste before existing the dog park area.
(h) Dogs are not allowed on tables or benches.
Revised 02/24/2026
Full Breakdown
Chapter 19 § 19.13(2) sets a hard cap: any domesticated animal on county park land must be leashed with a maximum six-foot leash, except in the narrow situations § 19.13(1) lists, transferring a boat-launch pet between vehicle and boat, or using the Community Park shared-use path, and inside the two designated off-leash dog parks, Best Friends and Jerry Finch, where dogs must stay leashed until inside the fenced area (§ 19.13(3)(c)). Owners must also clean up waste (§ 19.13(12)). The rule governs county-owned parks, trails, and boat landings; it is not a general at-large ordinance for dogs on private or town land outside a county park.
Violations & Fines
Bringing an unleashed or over-length-leashed dog onto county park property violates § 19.13(2) and, absent a chapter-specific fine, draws the Code's general penalty: a $100 first-offense forfeiture plus court costs under § 25.04(1)(a), $250 for a repeat within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash anywhere in a Winnebago County park?
Does this leash rule apply to my yard in an unincorporated town?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winnebago County
Compare Winnebago County to another location·View the Wisconsin animal ordinances overview
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