Duluth, MN Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 6-36(a) treats an animal as at large if it leaves the owner's property without being under physical control by a leash of suitable strength not exceeding six feet; retractable leashes must be reeled in to six feet or less when the animal comes within ten feet of another person or animal. Subsection (b) covers animals that stay on the owner's own property: they are at large unless effectively contained by a fence, including an underground electronic system, or, on an unfenced lot next to a street, alley, park, school ground or public place, restrained by a chain or cable secured to a fixed object.

Subsection (c) lists exceptions: an animal under a competent handler's immediate voice control on the owner's property, a properly picketed animal, one confined in a shipping receptacle or closed vehicle, animals in a bona fide field trial, show, exhibition or training class, police or tracking animals working with the city, and certified service animals. Subsection (d) sets rules for electronic fencing: it must keep the animal at least ten feet from any adjacent sidewalk, alley or street, the property must post a warning sign of a specified size and lettering height, and a dog designated dangerous or potentially dangerous under Article IX may not rely on it as a primary restraint. Section 6-36(e) allows the city to bar continued reliance on a fencing system as primary restraint after repeat at-large or bite convictions.