Waukesha County, WI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- State running-at-large law
- Wis. Stat. 174.042(1)(a)
- First-offense forfeiture
- $25-$100
- Subsequent offenses
- $50-$200
- Statewide leash mandate?
- No; local ordinance sets it
- Menomonee Falls leash limit
- 10 ft (6 ft in parks)
Summary
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.
Except as provided in par. (b), a dog is considered to be running at large if it is off the premises of its owner and not under the control of the owner or some other person.
Full Breakdown
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).
Violations & Fines
Wis. Stat. 174.042(4): owner forfeits $25-$100 for a first offense and $50-$200 for subsequent offenses, plus impoundment and pickup fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Waukesha County require a leash everywhere?
What happens if my dog gets loose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waukesha County
Compare Waukesha County to another location·View the Wisconsin animal ordinances overview
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