Madison MGO 23.32 requires dogs to be leashed in all public areas except designated off-leash dog parks. Leashes must not exceed 8 feet. Dogs at large are subject to impoundment and fines.
Madison General Ordinances 23.32 require every dog off its owner's premises to be on a leash no longer than 8 feet and under the physical control of a competent person. Madison operates several designated off-leash dog parks (including Warner Park, Quann Park, Badger Prairie County Park nearby, Sycamore, and Demetral) where dogs may run off-leash within fenced areas after purchasing an annual dog park permit from Public Health Madison and Dane County. Dogs are prohibited from most beaches, school grounds during school hours, farmers market, and some parks. Statewide dog licensing is required under WI Stat 174.05, administered locally by Dane County. Repeat at-large incidents can trigger a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog designation under WI Stat 174.042. Retractable leashes are permitted only if kept at 8 feet or less.
At-large dog: citation around 175 dollars plus impound and boarding fees (typically 40+ dollars/day). Dog park without permit: about 124 dollars.
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