Metro Detroit Enforces Leash Requirements as Stray Reports Rise

Michigan law demands dog owners leash their animals on public property. Violations bring fines and possible lawsuits. The Dog Law of 1919 says all dogs six months or older must be restrained when not on private property.

Stray incidents have climbed across metro areas. Detroit's Animal Control took in 609 strays during January—a 23% jump from January 2023, according to monthly metrics. Downriver Central Animal Control fielded calls from Allen Park on a Wednesday in early March, with the shelter down to one open cage.

"Earlier in the weekend, there was a lot of calls in Southgate. We're so busy with calls, like, right now our shelter we have one cage left open. That's it," said Animal Control Officer Brian Daugherty, according to Detroit Free Press.

Loose dogs fall into two groups: unwanted animals that were released on purpose, or pets whose owners failed with restraint methods, Daugherty stated. One owner forgot to shut a gate on garbage day. A two-hour search followed on March 4.

City ordinances match state requirements but differ on private property rules. Detroit's Animal Care, Control and Regulation says owners must use leashes no longer than six feet on public property. Tethered dogs need access to shade and water, with continuous tethering capped at three hours per day.

Other cities have similar rules. Wyandotte requires leashes on public property but allows unleashed pets on private land. Mt. Clemens found 73 strays in 2025. Seventy were adopted or returned—all without tags, said Animal Control Officer James Graessle. Grosse Pointe permits unleashed dogs in backyards but not front yards.

"We always tell people, don't approach a dog you don't know. Always call your local police department and let them handle it," said Grosse Pointe Adoption Society Executive Director Corinne Martin.

Service and working dogs are exempt from leash requirements. Michigan State University's Table of State Dog Leash Laws, published in 2015, provides information for owners who travel or relocate.

Metro areas offer several off-leash options. Grand Circus Dog Park, Barkside, Capitol Park Dog Park, and Palmer Park Unleashed give dogs space to run free. The app Sniffspot, founded in 2016, locates private land available for hourly rental as temporary off-leash spaces.