Kent County, MI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max leash length
- Six feet
- Ordinance section
- Section 11, Animal Behavior
- State backstop
- MCL 287.262 (Dog Law)
- First-offense fine
- $100
- Enforced by
- Kent County Animal Control
Summary
Kent County's Animal Control Ordinance requires every dog off the owner's property to be restrained on a lead or leash no longer than six feet, and prohibits owners from letting a dog run at large countywide.
An Owner or Custodian shall, at any time the dog is off that Person's property, restrain the dog with a lead or leash no greater than six (6) feet in length... An Owner or Custodian shall not permit or enable his/her dog or Animal to Run at Large.
Full Breakdown
Section 11 of the Kent County Animal Control Ordinance governs dog behavior countywide. An owner or custodian may not permit a dog to run at large, and any time the dog is off the person's property it must be restrained by a lead or leash no greater than six feet. Exceptions: inside an established dog park where park rules allow off-leash, during lawful hunting accompanied by the owner, or as otherwise allowed by law. This mirrors the Michigan Dog Law of 1919 (MCL 287.262), which makes it unlawful to let any dog stray unless held properly in leash. Kent County Sheriff's deputies and Animal Control Officers enforce it.
Violations & Fines
Municipal civil infraction: $100 for a first infraction, $200 for a subsequent infraction within five years, plus prosecution and court costs. Loose dogs may be captured and impounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in my own yard?
Is off-leash allowed at dog parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kent County
Compare Kent County to another location·View the Michigan animal ordinances overview
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