Rochester, MN Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Sec. 3-1-7(a) makes it unlawful for the owner of any animal except a cat to let it run or move at large at any time in the city, and the ordinance treats an at-large animal as being at large with its owner's sufferance even if the animal actually escaped, so escape is not a defense. "At large" is defined in Sec. 3-1-1: in an on-leash area, it means not under an owner's control by a leash, chain or cable no longer than ten feet, or by fence, kennel or other suitable enclosure; in an off-leash area, control may instead be by voice command if the dog stays in sight and returns when called.

On-leash areas include most park land near events, playgrounds, paved areas and trail corridors, all of Quarry Hill Park outside one exempted field, every public street and sidewalk, any area posted "On-Leash Area," and any private property without the owner's consent. " Cats get separate treatment under Sec. 3-1-7(b): an owner may not let a cat be at large on public property or on another person's private property without that owner's actual consent, but a cat is not otherwise required to be leashed. An animal control officer may seize any animal found at large under Sec. 3-1-11(a) and take it to the city shelter.