Wisconsin has no statewide leash law — restraint requirements are set by each Brown County municipality. Wis. Stat. §174.05 requires every dog over 5 months to be licensed through the local municipal clerk, and §174.042 authorizes impoundment of dogs running at large.
Brown County administers dog licensing through municipal clerks/treasurers (not the county). Per Wis. Stat. §174.07(1)(a), a license is required for any dog over 5 months of age and a current rabies vaccination certificate (Wis. Stat. §95.21) must be presented. 2026 tags must be obtained by April 1, 2026 — late fees apply afterward. A dog is 'running at large' under Wis. Stat. §174.001(2) if it is off the owner's premises and not under the control of the owner or another person. State penalties under §174.042 are $25-$100 first offense and $50-$200 for subsequent offenses, but most Brown County municipalities adopt their own leash/restraint ordinances with stricter fines. Brown County Humane Society and municipal police handle stray-dog impoundment.
First-offense at-large fine: $25-$100 (Wis. Stat. §174.042); subsequent offenses: $50-$200. Unlicensed dog: forfeiture under §174.05. Most Brown County cities/villages add their own forfeitures (often $75-$200) on top of state minimums.
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See how Brown County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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