When a dog bites someone, one of the first questions people ask is, “Was the dog on a leash?” In many cases, leash violations play a major role in proving legal responsibility especially when the dog was roaming freely or attacked someone in a public place. While Michigan doesn’t have a statewide leash law, most cities and counties enforce local ordinances that require dogs to be leashed or under control when off their owner’s property. If you were bitten by an off-leash dog, the lack of restraint can be powerful evidence in a personal injury claim. This page explains how leash laws work in Michigan, how they affect liability in dog bite cases, and what victims need to know when pursuing compensation.
Does Michigan Have a Statewide Leash Law?
Michigan does not have a single, statewide leash law that applies to all dogs. Instead, leash regulations are governed by local city, township, and county ordinances. That means the leash law in Lansing might look very different from the one in Grand Rapids or Detroit. Despite the lack of a uniform rule, nearly all municipalities in Michigan require dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash or under control when in public. Violating these local laws can not only result in fines, but also strengthen a dog bite victim’s legal claim especially in cases where the dog was loose and unprovoked. To give you an idea of how leash laws vary across Michigan, here’s a sample of local ordinances from cities and counties throughout the state:
| 🏙️ Location | 📜 Leash Law Summary | 🔍 Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| 📍 Lansing | Dogs must be leashed when off their owner's property | Lansing Code of Ordinances § 608.26 |
| 🐕 Detroit | Dogs must be on a leash not longer than six feet in public areas | Detroit City Code § 6-1-3 |
| 🌳 Grand Rapids | Requires leashing or physical control when off private property | Grand Rapids Ordinance Chapter 91 |
| 🎓 Ann Arbor | Leashes required in public unless in designated off-leash areas | Ann Arbor City Code § 9:46 |
| 🏡 Oakland County | Owners must prevent dogs from running at large; leash required in public | Oakland County Animal Control Ordinance |
Because leash laws vary by jurisdiction, it’s important to check the local code where the bite occurred. If the dog was off-leash in violation of a local ordinance, that fact can be used to help establish negligence.
Why Leash Violations Matter in Dog Bite Cases
When a dog bite occurs, one of the first things investigators and attorneys look at is whether the dog was on a leash or under control. If the dog was roaming freely in an area where a leash is legally required, that violation can serve as evidence of negligence on the part of the owner. In Michigan, violating a local leash ordinance doesn’t automatically make the dog owner strictly liable but it can support a negligence claim, especially if:
- The attack happened in a public area
- The dog had a history of aggression or prior incidents
- The victim did not provoke the dog and was lawfully present
In personal injury law, violating a safety-related ordinance is often considered “negligence per se.” That means the act of violating the law itself may be enough to establish fault making it easier for victims to recover compensation. When a dog bite case involves an off-leash animal in violation of local law, the odds of a successful claim increase significantly especially when combined with witness statements, photos, or prior complaints.
Is a Leash Violation Automatic Proof of Fault?
Not necessarily. While a leash law violation can strengthen a dog bite claim, it is not automatic proof of legal liability on its own. Michigan law does not treat every leash violation as strict liability meaning a bite victim still needs to prove the violation contributed to the attack. In most cases, leash violations are used to show that the dog owner failed to act reasonably, especially if the bite happened:
- In a public space where leashes are required
- Near a school, playground, or park
- In a neighborhood where dogs are expected to be restrained
Courts will consider the totality of the circumstances such as whether the dog had a history of aggression, whether the area required a leash, and whether the owner made any attempt to control the animal. That’s why leash violations are often part of a negligence claim, rather than the sole basis of liability. But when combined with clear evidence of injury, they can play a critical role in holding the dog owner accountable.
How to Prove a Dog Was Off-Leash at the Time of the Attack
In many dog bite cases, proving that the dog was off-leash can significantly impact the outcome especially if the bite occurred in a public area or a location with a leash ordinance. But like any legal claim, evidence is key. Victims (or their attorneys) should work quickly to collect proof that shows the dog was not restrained at the time of the attack. This evidence can help establish that the owner violated local leash laws and failed to exercise reasonable control over the dog.
| 📂 Evidence Type | 🧾 Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 📸 Photos or Videos | Visual proof the dog was roaming or off-leash at the time of the attack |
| 👥 Witness Statements | Independent accounts verifying the dog was not leashed |
| 🚨 Police or Animal Control Reports | Official documentation that notes leash violation or owner citation |
| 📍 Location Details | Shows where the incident occurred and whether leash laws apply there |
| 📄 Local Ordinance Text | Confirms a leash law was in effect at the time and place of the bite |
| 📅 Prior Complaints | Helps establish a pattern of negligent behavior by the dog owner |
Strong evidence can make the difference between a denied claim and a successful settlement. The sooner this information is gathered, the more likely it is to support a compelling legal case.
Common Injuries in Off-Leash Dog Attacks
Off-leash dog attacks often result in more serious injuries compared to incidents involving leashed dogs. That’s because dogs that are not restrained are more likely to approach aggressively, chase, or knock someone over without warning. Victims especially children or the elderly are often caught off guard and unable to protect themselves. In addition to the physical harm, off-leash attacks tend to leave a deeper emotional impact. The unpredictability and violence of a roaming dog can lead to long-term anxiety, PTSD, or a fear of going outside. To better understand the risks, the table below compares common injuries from off-leash dog attacks versus those involving leashed dogs:
| 🩹 Type of Injury | 🐾 Off-Leash Attack (Higher Risk) | 🔗 Leashed Attack (Lower Risk) |
|---|---|---|
| 🦷 Puncture Wounds / Bites | Deep bites due to lack of control | Still possible, but often restrained quickly |
| 🧠 Head or Facial Injuries | Common in children and from knockdowns | Less frequent due to closer owner control |
| 🦴 Broken Bones / Falls | More likely from being chased or knocked over | Rare unless leash is dropped or dog lunges |
| 😖 Psychological Trauma | Higher due to suddenness and severity | Still possible, but often less intense |
| 🧑🦱 Scarring or Disfigurement | Often more severe with facial or limb injuries | May still occur, but often less extensive |
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, surgeries, and follow-up care. Documenting the full extent of harm, both physical and emotional, is essential when seeking compensation after an off-leash dog attack.
Legal Options After an Off-Leash Dog Bite in Michigan
If you were bitten by a dog that was off-leash in violation of a local ordinance, you may have multiple legal options. These cases often fall under negligence or statutory strict liability, depending on the facts. Here are the main paths for recovering compensation:
- Strict Liability Claim: If you were lawfully on public or private property, and the dog bit you, the owner may be strictly liable under MCL 287.351, even if the dog had never bitten anyone before.
- Negligence Claim: A leash law violation can support a negligence claim, especially if you can prove the owner failed to control the dog or violated a known ordinance.
- Negligence Per Se: If the owner violated a leash law designed to protect public safety and that violation caused the injury, you may not have to prove additional negligence.
- Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance Claim: Most dog bite settlements come from the dog owner’s insurance coverage. An attorney can help file a claim and negotiate on your behalf.
- Local Ordinance Violations: While these don’t provide direct compensation, citations issued by police or animal control can be used as supporting evidence in your injury claim.
Pursuing the right legal route depends on where the attack occurred, who owned the dog, and whether the dog had a known history of aggression. An experienced attorney can help you understand which approach gives you the best chance of recovery.
Why Legal Help Matters in Leash Law Related Claims
Even if the dog was clearly off-leash and in violation of a local ordinance, that doesn’t guarantee a smooth legal process. Insurance companies often dispute fault, downplay injuries, or claim the victim provoked the dog especially when there’s no clear video or official citation. A dog bite attorney in Michigan can:
- Investigate the leash law in the city or county where the attack occurred
- Gather witness statements, photos, and official records to prove the dog was unrestrained
- Identify applicable legal theories, including strict liability and negligence
- Handle communications with the insurance company
- Maximize your compensation by documenting medical costs, lost income, and emotional distress
Leash law violations can make a strong case even stronger but only if they’re supported by solid evidence and legal strategy. An attorney can make sure your claim doesn’t get dismissed, delayed, or undervalued.
Free Consultation for Michigan Dog Bite Victims
If you were bitten by a dog that was off-leash or roaming freely, you may be entitled to compensation—especially if the owner violated a local leash ordinance. These cases can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. At The Clark Law Office, we’ve helped countless dog bite victims hold negligent owners accountable. We’ll investigate the incident, gather the right evidence, and build a case that reflects the full impact of your injuries both physical and emotional. Call today for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case. Learn how leash law violations relate to legal responsibility in our liability and legal responsibility guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Leash Laws
Does Michigan have a statewide leash law?
No. Michigan does not have a statewide leash law. Leash requirements are handled by local cities, counties, and townships. Most municipalities require dogs to be leashed or under control in public spaces.
Can I sue a dog owner if their dog was off-leash?
Yes. If the dog was off-leash in violation of a local ordinance and you were bitten, the owner may be liable under negligence or strict liability laws—even if the dog had never bitten anyone before.
Is breaking a leash law considered negligence?
It can be. Violating a leash ordinance is often considered negligence per se, which means the act of violating the law may be enough to establish legal fault in a dog bite claim.
How can I prove the dog was off-leash when it attacked?
Photos, witness statements, police or animal control reports, and video footage can all help prove the dog was unrestrained at the time of the attack.
Does an off-leash violation automatically mean I’ll win my case?
Not automatically, but it strongly supports your claim. You’ll still need to prove you were lawfully present, that a bite occurred, and that you didn’t provoke the dog.
Should I talk to a lawyer about a leash violation case?
Yes. Leash-related claims may seem straightforward, but insurance companies will still try to dispute them. A lawyer can gather evidence, prove liability, and help you recover full compensation.