Wisconsin has no statewide leash mandate, but state law makes any dog off its owner's premises and not under control a dog 'running at large,' subject to capture and impoundment. Each Waukesha County town, city, and village sets the actual leash rule; fines run $25-$100 first offense.
Under Wis. Stat. 174.042(1)(a), a dog is 'running at large' whenever it is off the owner's premises and not under the control of the owner or another person; an officer must attempt to capture any such dog. The specific leash rule is local: e.g. the Village of Menomonee Falls requires a leash no longer than ten feet held by a capable person, or the dog within 50 feet of its handler, and a six-foot leash in parks. Inside Waukesha, Brookfield, or an unincorporated town, check that municipality's animal chapter. Waukesha County itself delegates day-to-day animal control to municipalities and humane societies (HAWS, Elmbrook Humane Society).
Wis. Stat. 174.042(4): owner forfeits $25-$100 for a first offense and $50-$200 for subsequent offenses, plus impoundment and pickup fees.
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