Warren, MI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

City Code Sec. 7-77 makes it unlawful for a dog not to be confined on its owner's or custodian's premises at all times, with four narrow exceptions: the dog is under the reasonable control of its owner or custodian, is inside the off-leash-designated portion of a publicly operated dog park, is confined in a closed automobile or dog crate, or is on private property with the express permission of that property's owner or occupant. Sec. 7-76 separately requires an owner to provide sufficient supervision and control of an animal, including a female in heat, to prevent it from running at large, fighting, making noise, or injuring a person, another animal, or itself.

Penalties for running at large under Sec. 7-77 escalate by offense: a first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 15 days in jail and a $250 fine; a second offense up to 30 days and $500; a third offense up to 60 days and $750; and a fourth offense up to 90 days and $1,000, with forfeiture of the animal. As a condition of sentencing at any level, the court must order the owner to install, repair, or maintain secure fencing at the home to keep the animal confined going forward. Both sections were enacted under Ord. No. 80-834, effective June 24, 2025.