St. Clair Shores, MI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Michigan's Dog Law of 1919 (MCL 287.261 et seq.) provides a statewide framework that gives counties a larger role than most states. Under MCL 287.262, every dog 4 months of age or older must be licensed annually; in Macomb County, licenses are issued by the Macomb County Treasurer/Animal Control, not by individual municipalities (one of the few county-level licensing systems in MI). Proof of current rabies vaccination is required. MCL 287.286a (Dogs Running at Large) prohibits any dog from running at large unless under reasonable control of the owner - this state statute applies countywide and is enforced by Macomb County Animal Control (586-469-5115) along with municipal police. Macomb County Animal Control operates the county shelter (21417 Dunham Rd, Clinton Township) and has primary responsibility for stray intake, bite reporting, dangerous-dog investigations, and enforcement of MCL 287.286a, MCL 287.286b (livestock damage), and the Dangerous Animal Act (MCL 287.321 et seq.). Within municipalities, Sterling Heights City Code Chapter 6 (Animals) and Warren City Code Chapter 6 add local leash and at-large rules - typically requiring dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's premises. Clinton Township, Shelby Township, Macomb Township, and other Macomb communities have substantively similar local ordinances. Dangerous-dog hearings under MCL 287.322 are handled in district court (e.g., 41-A District Court for Sterling Heights).