West Allis, WI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- WAMC § 7.21
- Required distance
- Within 6 feet
- First offense fine
- $25-$100
- Repeat offense fine
- $50-$200
Summary
West Allis requires anyone with an animal off their own property to keep it within 6 feet of themselves and under control at all times, with escalating fines for violations.
Animals Running At Large. Every person who owns, possesses, keeps, harbors, or has custody or control of an animal shall keep the animal within 6 feet of the person and under control at all times unless the animal is on private property with the consent of the owner or occupant. Any person who violates this section shall forfeit not less than $25 nor more than $100 for the first offense and not less than $50 nor more than $200 for subsequent offenses. Feeding Wild Animals. Wis. Adm. Code NR 19.60 is adopted as though fully set forth herein. Any material placed solely for the purpose of attracting and feeding wild birds is a public nuisance if it attract rats, mice, raccoons, squirrels, or other vermin. Penalty. Any person who violates a provision in this section for which no specific penalty is provided shall pay a forfeiture of not more than $500. HISTORY Adopted by Ord. O-2025-0028 on 5/20/2025
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: ?).
Full Breakdown
WAMC § 7.21's animals-running-at-large provision requires anyone with custody of an animal to keep it within 6 feet of themselves and under control whenever it's off the owner's or occupant's own property -- not just on a leash, but physically restrained to that distance. The rule applies citywide to any animal, not only dogs, and doesn't apply on private property with the owner's or occupant's consent. A first violation draws a $25-$100 forfeiture; each later violation escalates to $50-$200, and each incident is a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
$25-$100 forfeiture for a first at-large offense and $50-$200 for each subsequent offense, under WAMC § 7.21; each incident is charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in my own West Allis yard?
How close must I keep my dog under West Allis's at-large law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Allis
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