PERMITTING ANIMAL TO CAUSE INJURY.
Madison General Ordinances § 23.35
in effect23.35 - PERMITTING ANIMAL TO CAUSE INJURY.
(1) An animal who is off the property of its owner or custodian may not attack, bite or otherwise injure:
(a) Any other animal or
(b) Any person who is engaged in a lawful activity.
(2) Any person who owns or is the custodian of an animal that violates Section (1) shall immediately comply with the following:
(a) The animal while off the property where kept, shall be muzzled and leashed at all times. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the animal but that will prevent it from biting any person or animal. The leash shall be attached to a secure collar that is of sufficient strength to restrain the animal. The leash shall be no longer than four (4) feet in length total and must be secured by and under the direct control and supervision of a competent adult.
(b) When outside but still on the property of the owner or caretaker, the animal must be supervised by a competent adult and physically restrained at all times to prevent the animal from leaving the property. An electronic fence or an electronic collar are not considered to be a physical restraint. If the Madison and Dane County Public Health Department determines that the animal may be kept in a secure kennel or pen, hereinafter referred to as "structure", and not under the direct supervision of an adult, the Madison and Dane County Public Health Department may require that the structure be constructed under some or all of the following guidelines:
1. The structure shall be constructed of strong metal fencing to prevent the animal from exiting on its own volition.
2. The structure shall be secure on all sides and have a secure top attached.
3. The structure shall have a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides of the structure or the sides of the structure shall be embedded in the ground no less than two (2) feet.
4. The structure shall be kept locked at all times with a key or combination lock.
5. The structure shall provide adequate light, ventilation and shelter from the environment for the animal.
6. The structure shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
7. The structure must be in compliance with all other building and zoning ordinances.
(3) Any person who owns or is the custodian of an animal that violates this ordinance shall be deemed to have permitted said violation and shall upon conviction be subject to a forfeiture of not more than five hundred dollars ($500). (Am. by ORD-24-00025, 4-26-24)
(Cr. by ORD-24-00025, 4-26-24) (Cr. by Ord. 9642, Adopted 12-6-88; R. & Recr. by ORD-07-00027, 3-15-07)
Source: City of Madison, Wisconsin, Madison General Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wi/madison/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COORMAWIVOIICH20--31_CH23OFAGPUPO_23.35PEANCAINFetched: 11/1/2026