Animal Ordinances in Milwaukee County, WI (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Dogs on Milwaukee County-owned or leased property must be leashed to six feet or less, with a parallel rule covering county parks and parkways.
Milwaukee County Dog Leash Requirements
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee County Code of General Ordinances § 63.068(1)
No person having the control or care of a dog shall suffer or permit such dog to enter or remain in upon any premises owned or leased by Milwaukee County unless it be led by a leash of suitable strength not more than six (6) feet in length, and then only within such areas as have been designated by the Milwaukee County officer or administrator who has jurisdiction over the premises.(2)No owner ...
Breed Restrictions
Wisconsin has no statewide preemption of breed-specific legislation, so municipalities may restrict breeds. The City of Milwaukee's Code 78-22 imposes special leash, handler-age, training and fencing rules on pit bull and Rottweiler type dogs. State law makes owners strictly liable for injuries under Wis. Stat. 174.02.
Milwaukee County Breed Restrictions (No Wisconsin Preemption)
Some RestrictionsWis. Stat. 174.02(1)(a)
The owner of a dog is liable for the full amount of damages caused by the dog injuring or causing injury to a person, domestic animal or property.
Wildlife Feeding
Milwaukee County outlaws feeding waterfowl, game birds, or seagulls anywhere in its county park and parkway system, with an escalating fine for repeat violations.
Milwaukee County Bans Feeding Park Waterfowl
Significant RestrictionsMilwaukee County Code of General Ordinances § 47.07(2)(b)
No one shall feed any waterfowl, game birds or seagulls within any of the parks or parkways of Milwaukee County.(3)Any person violating any of the provisions of subsection (2)(b) of this section shall, for each offense, forfeit a penalty of ten dollars ($10.00). Upon conviction of a second offense and any additional violations of subsection (2)(b) shall forfeit $25.00 and perform four (4) hours...
Cat Rules
All 19 municipalities in Milwaukee County require dogs and cats to be licensed annually, and Wisconsin law requires cats over five months old to be current on rabies vaccination. MADACC issues pet licenses and rabies tags countywide; proof of rabies immunization is required to license a cat.
Milwaukee County Cat Rules (Licensing and Rabies)
Some RestrictionsWis. Stat. 95.21(2)(a)
The owner of a dog or cat shall have the dog or cat vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian... at no later than 5 months of age and revaccinated within one year after the initial vaccination.
Animal Ordinances by City in Milwaukee County
3 cities in Milwaukee County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Milwaukee County ordinances
See every category we cover for Milwaukee County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Milwaukee County Ordinance Hub →