Under the Michigan Dog Law (MCL 287.262), enforced county-wide by Oakland County Animal Control, no dog may stray from the owner's premises unless held properly in a leash. Most Oakland County municipalities additionally cap leash length at 6 feet.
Oakland County Animal Control patrols 47 of the county's 62 municipalities (those without their own animal control officers) and handles over 5,000 leash-related calls annually. The state-law standard requires the dog be 'held properly in leash' whenever off the owner's property. Exceptions are narrow: leader/guide dogs, working farm dogs, and hunting dogs actively engaged in lawful hunting while accompanied by the owner. Female dogs in heat may not leave the premises at all unless leashed. Dogs at large can be impounded at the Oakland County Pet Adoption Center (1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac), with owners liable for boarding fees and a redemption fee. Oakland County operates dedicated off-leash dog parks (Lyon Oaks, Orion Oaks, Red Oaks, Catalpa Oaks) where leash rules are suspended within posted boundaries.
Misdemeanor under MCL 287.262 — fine up to $100 plus court costs. Impound and boarding fees apply on top. Repeat violators may be cited under municipal ordinances with higher fines.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Oakland County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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