Wisconsin Dog Poop Laws by County
Owning a dog in Wisconsin means enjoying everything from lakefront walks in Milwaukee to wooded trails in Dane County. But wherever your dog goes, their poop follows—and it’s your job to clean it up. While Wisconsin doesn’t have a statewide dog poop law, most counties and cities enforce their own ordinances.
This article covers Wisconsin dog poop laws by county so you can avoid fines, keep your neighborhood clean, and be the responsible pet owner your community expects.
Does Wisconsin Have a Statewide Dog Poop Law?
No, Wisconsin does not enforce a statewide law that requires pet owners to pick up dog poop. However, local governments regulate dog waste as part of public health and nuisance codes. Almost every major city and county has clear rules requiring owners to remove dog feces immediately from public and private property.
Dog Poop Laws by County in Wisconsin
1. Milwaukee County (Milwaukee, Wauwatosa)
In Milwaukee, City Ordinance § 78-6 requires pet owners to remove feces left by their dog on any public property or private property not owned by them. This includes sidewalks, parks, and yards.
Fines: Up to $100 per violation, with increased penalties for repeat offenses.
Dog parks often provide bags, but it’s your responsibility to bring your own. Want to know how old your dog really is? Use this free dog age calculator.
2. Dane County (Madison, Fitchburg)
Madison enforces its dog poop law through Ordinance § 8.19. Owners must clean up dog poop on all public property and in parks. Not carrying a bag during walks is also a violation.
Fine: $100 per citation, with additional costs if taken to municipal court
3. Brown County (Green Bay)
Green Bay requires all dog owners to immediately remove waste deposited by their pets. Leaving poop behind is considered a public nuisance under city code.
Fines: Start at $50 and increase with repeat offenses
4. Waukesha County (Waukesha, Brookfield)
Local ordinances in Waukesha County cities like Brookfield require prompt cleanup of pet waste. Owners walking dogs must carry a bag and use it if needed.
Many parks post signs, and police or animal control may issue citations based on resident complaints.
5. Racine County (Racine, Mount Pleasant)
In Racine, uncollected dog poop is considered a public health concern. Dog owners must pick up after their pets immediately and dispose of waste in trash bins.
Fine: $25–$75 for first offense; up to $200 for repeat violations
Keep your dog healthy as they age by checking their human-equivalent age using this dog age calculator.
6. Kenosha County (Kenosha)
Kenosha city ordinances require pet owners to remove feces deposited on public or private property. Failure to comply can lead to citations from animal control officers.
Fine: Starts at $50, with higher fees for repeated violations
7. Outagamie County (Appleton)
Appleton mandates that pet owners clean up after their pets immediately. The law is strictly enforced in public parks and downtown walking areas. Waste must be bagged and thrown away in a designated trash bin.
Fine: Typically $75 for first offense
8. La Crosse County
La Crosse has a municipal code that makes it illegal to leave pet waste on public or private property. Park signs clearly remind owners to clean up after their dogs.
Bag dispensers are located in many popular parks, but you are expected to carry your own regardless.
Typical Dog Poop Fines in Wisconsin
| County/City | First Offense | Repeat Offenses |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | Up to $100 | $150–$200+ |
| Madison | $100 | $150+ |
| Green Bay | $50 | $100+ |
| Racine | $25–$75 | $100–$200 |
| Appleton | $75 | $100+ |
Tips to Stay Compliant and Avoid Fines
- Always bring 2–3 waste bags when walking your dog
- Use biodegradable bags to help protect the environment
- Dispose of bags in public trash cans—not in neighbors’ bins or drains
- Teach your dog to use the bathroom before going into public parks
If your dog is showing signs of aging, it might be time to check their real age. Use this helpful dog age calculator for quick answers.
Do You Have to Clean Up Even Without a Sign?
Yes. Even if there’s no posted sign, you’re still required to clean up after your dog. Local ordinances assume that pet owners know their legal responsibilities. If someone reports you, or if an officer witnesses it, you could be fined.
Why Dog Waste Cleanup Matters
Dog poop isn’t just unpleasant—it’s a public health concern. It contains harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses that can affect other animals and humans. When left on the ground, it can wash into local waterways, polluting lakes and rivers across Wisconsin.
Cleaning up after your dog shows respect for your community, your neighbors, and the environment.
Conclusion: Do Your Part to Keep Wisconsin Beautiful
From Milwaukee to Madison, and Green Bay to La Crosse, one thing remains true—cleaning up after your dog is required by law and expected by your community. Ignoring it could cost you money, relationships with neighbors, and your good standing in your city.
Carry bags, use them, and toss them in the trash. And while you’re doing your part, check your dog’s age in human years to better understand their health and activity needs.
Let’s work together to keep Wisconsin clean and dog-friendly—one walk at a time.