Farmington Hills, MI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Dog rule
- Confined on premises unless leashed, § 6-34(a)
- Max leash length
- 15 feet, § 6-31
- Cat rule
- "Reasonable control", not leash-specific
- Dog park exception
- Designated leash-free area
- Bite/chase evidence
- Not a "suitable leash" per § 6-31
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine, 90 days jail
Summary
City Code § 6-34 requires every dog to stay confined on its owner's property at all times unless it is on a suitable leash, inside a leash-free area of a public dog park, secured in a vehicle, or on someone else's property with permission. Section 6-31 defines a "suitable leash" as no more than 15 feet long.
It shall be unlawful for any dog not to be confined upon the premises of its owner or custodian at all times except when the dog is otherwise under the reasonable control of the owner or custodian, is within a portion of a publicly owned and operated dog park that is designated for dogs without leashes, is confined in a closed automobile or shipping receptacle, or has the express permission of the owner or occupant of the private property. It shall be unlawful for any cat not to be under the reasonable control of the owner or custodian at all times. ... On a suitable leash means both: (1) That the dog is attached to a leash that is no more than fifteen (15) feet in length and of such material that the leash is capable of restraining, and does restrain the type and size of dog to which it is attached; and (2) That such a leash is continuously held by a person who is reasonably able to and does restrain and prohibit the dog from being out of that person's physical control.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 36).
Full Breakdown
Section 6-34(a) makes it unlawful for a dog not to be confined on its owner's or custodian's premises at all times, except when the dog is under the owner's "reasonable control," is inside the leash-free portion of a publicly owned dog park, is confined in a closed vehicle or shipping container, or is on private property with the owner's or occupant's express permission. Section 6-31 defines "reasonable control" of a dog as keeping it "on a suitable leash," and defines a suitable leash as one no longer than 15 feet, made of material capable of restraining the dog, and continuously held by a person able to restrain and control it.
The same definitions section treats a leashed dog that still chases someone more than 15 feet, or that bites a person or another domesticated animal, as prima facie evidence the dog was not kept on a suitable leash regardless of whether it wore one. Cats are treated differently: § 6-34(b) only requires a cat to be under the owner's "reasonable control," which § 6-31 defines, given "the nature of this animal," as taking all reasonable efforts to keep the cat from becoming a nuisance or damaging another person's property, rather than a leash requirement.
Both dog and cat owners must also license and vaccinate animals six months or older under § 6-33, and yards or exercise runs must be kept free of droppings under § 6-32.
Violations & Fines
A loose or unleashed dog violates § 6-34(a) as a misdemeanor under §§ 1-13 and 1-16, since chapter 6 is outside the § 1-25 civil-infraction list. Conviction carries a fine of up to $500 and costs, up to 90 days in jail, or both, and each day the dog runs at large is a separate offense; the city may also pursue impoundment through its animal control provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog have to be on a leash in Farmington Hills?
How long can a dog's leash be under Farmington Hills law?
Do cats need to be leashed too?
What if my leashed dog still bites someone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Farmington Hills
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