Hennepin County Ordinance 25 requires dogs to be leashed or under direct physical control in public areas, county parks, and unincorporated land. Three Rivers Park District trails enforce strict leash policies countywide.
Under Hennepin County Code Chapter 25, dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet when off the owner's property, except in designated off-leash dog parks. Three Rivers Park District (operating Hennepin County regional parks like Hyland, Elm Creek, and Baker) enforces leash rules on all trails and picnic areas. Off-leash exercise is permitted only at posted off-leash sites such as Crow-Hassan, Elm Creek, and Hyland off-leash areas. Cities within Hennepin County, including Minneapolis, may have additional leash requirements that apply concurrently with county rules.
First offenses typically draw warnings or citations starting around 100 dollars. Repeat off-leash violations, dog-at-large incidents, or bites can escalate to misdemeanor charges and impoundment fees recovered through HCSO or local animal control.
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See how Hennepin County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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