MOA Pet Guidelines & Laws

In the event of a pet or animal related issue or emergency call:

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989 705 7632

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Otsego County Animal Control

256 Fairview Road

Gaylord, MI 49735

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Download Leash Law Information

Download Animal Control Ordinance

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Michaywé Governance of Household Pets

 

The following is from the Master Deed Restriction:

 

Liber 1193 Pages 636-663

Recorded 03/02/2009 1:57:25 PM

Otsego County Michigan

Register of Deeds

 

 

Section 7. Animals. No chickens, other fowl, horses or livestock shall be kept or harbored on any of the Property Units within the Restricted Property. No animals shall be kept or maintained on any such Property Unit excepting household pets for use by the occupants of dwellings within the Restricted Property. No animals shall be kept on any Property Units for any commercial purpose. Household pets shall have such care as not to be objectionable or offensive on account of noise, odor or unsanitary conditions. Animals may be declared nuisances by the Association and must be removed within ten (10) days following the receipt by the owner of such animals of a request for removal in writing from the Association or its authorized representative.

 

The Michigan Leash Law had been around in various forms for close to 100 years. Under the law, which is found within MCL 287.262, no dog owner shall allow his or her dog to stray unless held properly in leash. In practice this applies to dogs that are not on the owner's property.

 

Most dog owners don’t even think twice about letting their dog(s) off their leash in public and it’s usually never a problem, especially if it’s a park or area where it might seem safe to do so. Unfortunately, The State of Michigan has a dog leash law that dates back over 100 years. This law was put into place to protect the public from encountering unnecessary dog bites or attacks. According to Michigan law, which can be found within Michigan MCL 287.262 (DOG LAW OF 1919 – Act 339 of 1919). no dog owner is allowed to have his or her dog stray in public unless leashed properly. For all practical purposes, this applies to any area that is not on the owner’s property. While not heavily enforced, anyone who violates this law is subject to a misdemeanor charge and fines all the way up to $10,000. In fact, some cities in Michigan even go a step further requiring a certain leash length. Just to be safe, you should check the ordinances in your local area.

 

Otsego County Animal Control

256 Fairview Road

Gaylord, MI 49735

 

989 705 7632

 

Otsego County Animal Control webpage:

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https://www.otsegocountymi.gov/county-government-2/animal-control/

 

Otsego County Animal Control Ordinance:

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https://www.otsegocountymi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Animal-Control-Ordinance-adopted-6-14-16.pdf

 

Michigan Dog Law of 1919:

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http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(gl31dkr2njfk3mfe40l5arew))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-Act-339-of-1919&query=on&highlight=dog%20AND%20law