Sterling Heights, MI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- Applies to all animals, not just dogs
- Where
- Streets, parks, private property
- Cleanup
- Owners must remove feces
- Dogs in heat
- Must be confined
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, fine at least $500
Summary
Sterling Heights bans letting any dog or other animal run at large on public streets, parks, or another person's property without permission, under City Code § 8-9.
(A) All animals shall be kept under restraint. It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or permit any animal owned, kept, possessed, or harbored by such person, or under his or her control, to run at large or unattended, upon the public streets, walks, alleys, parks, public places within the city, or upon the premises of another, without express permission of the owner or occupant of the private premises.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-46: Local legislation current through Ord. 509, passed 5-19-26).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 8-9(A) requires that all animals in Sterling Heights, Macomb County, be kept under restraint at all times. It is unlawful to let a dog or other animal owned, kept, or harbored by a person run at large or unattended on public streets, walks, alleys, parks, or other public places, or trespass on another person's property without the owner's or occupant's express permission. Owners must also promptly clean up after their animal under subsection (I), and a female dog in heat must be confined indoors or in a secure enclosure except for supervised, controlled outings.
Violations & Fines
Letting a dog or other animal run at large is a misdemeanor under Chapter 8's general penalty: up to 90 days in jail, a fine of at least $500, or community service, plus possible impoundment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sterling Heights require dogs to be leashed?
What happens if my dog gets loose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sterling Heights
Compare Sterling Heights to another location·View the Michigan animal ordinances overview
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Macomb County handle dog leash laws.