Racine County, WI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Trail leash length
- 6 feet maximum
- Dog-friendly parks
- Sanders, Cliffside, Harbor, Karen A. Nelson
- Park/trail forfeiture
- $10 (Code § 5-3)
- Countywide at-large rule
- $15, only if harm occurs
Summary
Racine County requires dogs on its bicycle trails to be leashed with no more than six feet of leash, and bars dogs from most county parks outright except a handful of named dog-friendly sites.
Dogs shall be allowed on the Racine County bicycle trails, but no person shall suffer or permit his dog to be on said trails unless:
(1) Said dog is on a leash of suitable strength not more than six (6) feet in length.
(2) Said person must have on his or her possession means or items capable of removing deposits of fecal material.
(3) That if a dog deposits any fecal material, said person must pick up, properly wrap and remove said fecal material to an appropriate container.
(4) All dogs must be properly licensed. (Code 1975, § 6.013(8); Ord. No. 87-261, pt. 1(6.013(8)), 3-22-88; Ord. No. 92-242, pt. 1, 3-23-93; Ord. No. 94-25, pt. 1, 5-24-94; Ord. No. 2010-143, 4-12-11; Ord. No. 2018-149, 4-16-19) Cross reference(s)—Schedule of deposits for violation of the provisions in this section, § 5-3.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 14-73 bans dogs from Racine County parks and recreational areas outright, with named exceptions, Sanders Park, Cliffside Park, Harbor Park, the Karen A. Nelson Dog Park at Quarry Lake Park, designated beer-garden areas, and the county's paved bicycle trails. On the trails, a leash no longer than six feet is required, and handlers must carry and use waste-removal supplies for fecal matter. All dogs on county property must be licensed. Away from county park land, § 4-1(a) separately bars a dog from running at large if it causes or threatens harm to a neighbor, a lighter standard than a blanket leash mandate.
Violations & Fines
Violating the park/trail dog rules under § 14-73 draws a $10 forfeiture (Code § 5-3); a general at-large violation under § 4-1(a) that causes or threatens harm carries a separate $15 forfeiture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a leash for my dog in Racine County?
Which Racine County parks allow dogs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Racine County
Compare Racine County to another location·View the Wisconsin animal ordinances overview
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