Michigan state law requires dogs to be leashed or under owner control in public. Wayne County cities enforce 6-foot leash limits in parks. Off-leash is allowed only at designated dog parks like Detroit Riverwalk.
Leash laws in Wayne County stem from Michigan MCL 287.262 which requires dogs to be under reasonable control of their owner in public. Most Wayne County cities interpret this as requiring a physical leash no longer than 6 feet in all public spaces including sidewalks, streets, and parks. Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, Westland, and Canton all enforce 6-foot leash rules with fines typically starting at 50 dollars for first offense. Off-leash areas are limited to designated dog parks including the Belle Isle dog park, Rouge Park off-leash area, Ford Field Park in Dearborn, and Livonia Dog Park. Retractable leashes longer than 6 feet are technically non-compliant in most cities even if not consistently enforced. Dogs at large can be impounded by Detroit Animal Care and Control or the respective city animal control. Licensing is required annually with proof of rabies vaccination.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Wayne County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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