Dog running at large presents safety risks to people and other animals, as well as legal risks to pet owners. This article will provide an overview of Michigan state laws and local ordinances related to dogs running loose off their owner’s property. We’ll cover key definitions, penalties for violations, tips for securing dogs, and liability issues. Our goal is to inform Michigan pet owners on their legal responsibilities and potential consequences of allowing dogs to roam freely.
The legal definition of a dog ‘at large’ refers to a dog that is unrestrained or free to roam in public areas beyond the premises of its owner. A dog is considered ‘at large’ if it is off the property of its owner and is not under the immediate control of the owner or another person, such as being securely leashed or contained in a fenced area. [https://www.dogbitelaw.com/at-large/]
‘At large’ essentially means that the dog has freedom to wander and is not under direct physical restraint or supervision. Even if the owner is present but not actively controlling the dog such as with a leash or command control, the dog may still be regarded as being ‘at large’ in legal context. Simply being off the owner’s property itself does not automatically make a dog ‘at large’, but the key factors are lack of restraint and lack of direct supervision. [https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/dog-at-large]
Most areas have leash laws requiring dogs to be physically restrained when in public spaces. A dog violating these laws by freely roaming would be considered ‘at large’. The exact legal definitions and restrictions for an at large dog can vary by jurisdiction.
The main state law regarding dogs at large in Michigan is the Animals Running at Large Act 328 of 1976. This law prohibits any animals, including dogs, from running at large in public areas in Michigan (1). Some key provisions of the law include:
– Dogs are not allowed to run at large on public property, which includes streets, parks, and other public spaces (1). Owners can be fined for allowing their dogs to roam freely.
– It is illegal to allow dogs to trespass on private property without permission (1). Property owners can kill a dog trespassing on their private land.
– Cities, villages, and townships may enact local leash laws or ordinances to further regulate dogs at large (1). Local jurisdictions may impose additional penalties.
– Violations of the animals at large law are a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to a $100 fine and 90 days in jail (2).
In summary, Michigan state law prohibits dogs from roaming freely on public property or trespassing on private property without permission. Owners can be cited and fined under the Animals Running at Large Act.
Many cities and counties in Michigan have additional ordinances regarding dogs at large. For example, the city of Detroit has specific regulations outlined in the Code of Ordinances. The ordinances prohibit owners from allowing their dogs to stray beyond their premises unless the dog is under reasonable control. Dogs must be restrained by a leash when off the owner’s property.
Detroit also categorizes some dogs as “dangerous animals” if they have seriously injured or killed a person or animal without being provoked. Owners of dangerous dogs face additional restrictions like securing the dog indoors or in a locked pen with a top when unattended. Violating these ordinances can result in civil fines.
Many other cities and counties like Grand Rapids, Flint, Warren, and Macomb County have similar local laws pertaining to restraint, confinement, and liability for dogs at large beyond basic state regulations.
There are a range of possible penalties for allowing a dog to run at large in Michigan, depending on the circumstances and any resulting damage or injury. Here are some of the potential consequences:
Under the state’s Animals Running at Large Act, a dog owner can face civil fines up to $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $500 for a third or any subsequent offense within a calendar year (Michigan Legislature, 1976). These fines apply on a per-dog basis.
Many cities, villages and townships also have local ordinances regarding dogs at large with additional potential fines. For example, in the city of Jackson, first offense fines can range from $110-225 depending on whether the dog is spayed/neutered. Subsequent offenses can incur fines up to $500 (City of Jackson, 2022).
If a dog bites or attacks someone while at large, the owner may face criminal charges like misdemeanor reckless endangerment. They can also face civil liability if the victim sues for damages. In severe cases involving serious injury, owners may even face felony charges.
In addition to fines, those found guilty will likely need to pay impound fees to retrieve their dog from animal control. The court may also order restitution payments to victims, enrollment in responsible pet ownership classes, or seizure of the dog.
If you see a dog running loose in Michigan, it’s important to report it to help ensure the safety of both people and the dog. There are a few ways to report loose dogs in Michigan:
Call Animal Control
Most cities and counties in Michigan have an animal control department that you can call to report loose dogs. For example, in Detroit you can call the Detroit Animal Care and Control at 313-922-DOGS (3647) to report a loose dog (source). The animal control department will send an officer to attempt to capture the dog.
Notify Local Police
You can also call your local police department’s non-emergency number to report a loose dog. Police can assist in capturing loose dogs or notifying animal control.
Report Online
Some cities and counties provide online forms to report loose pets. Check the website for your local animal control department to see if they offer online reporting.
When reporting a loose dog, provide details like location, identifying features, and behavior of the dog to assist with capturing it safely.
Michigan law requires dog owners to keep their dogs under reasonable control at all times. This includes properly containing dogs on the owner’s property to prevent them from leaving the premises. There are several methods Michigan dog owners can use to securely contain their dogs:
No matter the containment method, dogs should always have access to adequate shelter, food, and water. Property fences and enclosures should be regularly inspected for damage or loose spots that could allow a dog to escape. Taking appropriate containment measures is key to following Michigan’s at large laws.
[cite url=”https://www.cochranlaw.com/legal-topic/what-are-the-dog-laws-in-michigan/” here]
In Michigan, state law requires dogs to be secured by a leash when in public areas. According to Michigan Compiled Laws Section 287.262, a dog must be “firmly secured by a chain or leash” when in any public space, including roads, parks, and sidewalks.
This leash law applies broadly to all public areas in Michigan, though some cities and counties may have additional local ordinances restricting dogs. The state law mandates leashes not exceeding 6 feet in cities and villages. Outside of cities and villages, leashes cannot exceed 16 feet.
The purpose of Michigan’s leash law is to prevent dogs from running freely in public spaces where they could potentially threaten or harm people or other animals. Requiring dogs to be leashed controls their movements and actions. Having dogs securely leashed also allows owners to maintain control and prevent aggressive behaviors.
There are a few exceptions to Michigan’s leash law. Service dogs trained to assist disabled people are exempt while performing their duties. Dogs actively engaged in hunting activities or dog training/shows may be unleashed in appropriate designated areas. And dog parks or other specified off-leash areas may allow dogs to be unrestrained.
But in general, dogs in public parks, streets, sidewalks, trails, etc. must be leashed at all times when not on private property. The leash law is intended to protect both dogs and the public by preventing unpredictable or aggressive dog interactions.
In Michigan, dog owners can be held liable if their dog bites or injures someone while at large and unrestrained. According to Michigan law, the owner of a dog that bites or attacks someone is liable for any damages suffered by the victim regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.
This strict liability statute means that dog owners can be held responsible even if they were not negligent or at fault in any way. The only defenses available are if the injured person was trespassing, teasing or tormenting the dog, or committing or attempting to commit a crime. Children under the age of 7 cannot be considered trespassers.
If a dog escapes its owner’s property and injures someone, the owner could face a negligence lawsuit and be liable for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Maintaining control of a dog at all times is crucial for avoiding this type of liability.
Owning a dog comes with great responsibility. Here are some tips to be a responsible pet owner and prevent your dog from being at large in violation of Michigan laws or local ordinances:
Always keep your dog secured on your property with a fenced yard or dog run when unattended (AKC). Make sure fencing is well-maintained and gates are securely closed. Consider adding landscaping or partial fencing to prevent escape if there are certain areas your dog tries to breach.
Train your dog on proper recall and commands so they will return when called, and don’t allow off-leash activity unless they are under voice control (AVMA). Dogs that cannot be recalled should remain leashed and/or within a confined area at all times.
Use a tether or dog run if your yard is not completely fenced. Tethers must allow movement and access to food, water and shelter (AKC). Never leave a dog unattended on a chain or tether.
Walk dogs on leashes 6 feet or less when in public areas. Use secure harnesses and leashes appropriate for your dog’s size and strength.
Keep dogs inside when you are away from home. Use crates or safe dog-proofed areas. Be aware of your dog’s ability to escape out doors or windows.
Get your dog microchipped and tagged for easier identification and return if they do get loose (AVMA).
If your dog escapes your property, notify animal control immediately and make efforts to find your pet before they wander too far.
Check local ordinances for leash laws, noise regulations, and restraint requirements that may vary from statewide statutes.