Muskegon County, MI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

, regulates animals on all County Park Property in Section 11. A dog cannot be brought into or kept in any area posted to prohibit dogs, including County park beaches or buildings, with carve-outs only for disability service animals and on-duty Sheriff's Office K9s. Everywhere else on County park land, a dog must be on a physical leash no longer than six feet and kept under the immediate control of a competent person, who must remove and properly dispose of the animal's waste immediately and completely.

Section 11 also bars bringing onto County Park Property, or possessing there, any animal that is vicious or dangerous to park visitors or other animals. Enforcement runs through employees of the Muskegon County Parks and Recreation department and deputies of the Muskegon County Sheriff's Office, per Section 1's grant of enforcement authority. Violations of the Parks Ordinance are municipal civil infractions and, under Section 20, are also misdemeanors carrying a fine of not more than $100 and possible jail time in the county jail of up to 90 days at the court's discretion; a violator can also be removed from the park without refund and may face civil penalties and trespass action.