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Leash Law and Dogs at Parks

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The city council adopted two ordinances related to off-leash dogs in the city at its Nov. 18 meeting. The first no longer allows dog owners to walk their dogs off-leash and at heel when off their property, such as walking in a neighborhood (effective Jan. 1, 2025). The second ordinance clarifies that animals are allowed in city parks, but only off leash in designated areas (effective May 19, 2025, after a work group provides input designating off-leash areas within specific parks).

Under an ordinance amending section 925.085 relating to dogs at large, dog owners may no longer walk their dogs off-leash and at heel.

  • Dogs must either be within a vehicle or container from which they cannot escape or they must be leashed.
  • The ordinance does allow the use of a retractable leash of no more 20 feet, provided that the leash is retracted to six feet whenever another person or animal is within 20 feet.
  • The ordinance contains two exceptions: police canines performing official duties are not subject to the leash requirement; and dogs may be off-leash within public parks to the extent allowed by the park regulations in section 1135 of the city code.

Under an ordinance amending sections 1135.010 and 1135.020 relating to animals within city parks:

  • Rather than list where animals are allowed, the ordinance now lists the locations where animals are prohibited. Animals are allowed in any park location that is not prohibited.
  • Allows the use of either a fixed leash of no more than six feet or a retractable leash of up to 20 feet, provided that the retractable leash must be shortened to six feet whenever another person or animal is within 20 feet.
  • Dogs may be off-leash only within “designated off-leash areas” rather than within any unimproved and unmaintained area of the park.

The city is currently seeking seven to nine residents to serve as members of a volunteer community work group to help guide the development of off-leash dog areas in city parks and other city owned properties. Find more information and an application in the project update area of this site.

The city council adopted two ordinances related to off-leash dogs in the city at its Nov. 18 meeting. The first no longer allows dog owners to walk their dogs off-leash and at heel when off their property, such as walking in a neighborhood (effective Jan. 1, 2025). The second ordinance clarifies that animals are allowed in city parks, but only off leash in designated areas (effective May 19, 2025, after a work group provides input designating off-leash areas within specific parks).

Under an ordinance amending section 925.085 relating to dogs at large, dog owners may no longer walk their dogs off-leash and at heel.

  • Dogs must either be within a vehicle or container from which they cannot escape or they must be leashed.
  • The ordinance does allow the use of a retractable leash of no more 20 feet, provided that the leash is retracted to six feet whenever another person or animal is within 20 feet.
  • The ordinance contains two exceptions: police canines performing official duties are not subject to the leash requirement; and dogs may be off-leash within public parks to the extent allowed by the park regulations in section 1135 of the city code.

Under an ordinance amending sections 1135.010 and 1135.020 relating to animals within city parks:

  • Rather than list where animals are allowed, the ordinance now lists the locations where animals are prohibited. Animals are allowed in any park location that is not prohibited.
  • Allows the use of either a fixed leash of no more than six feet or a retractable leash of up to 20 feet, provided that the retractable leash must be shortened to six feet whenever another person or animal is within 20 feet.
  • Dogs may be off-leash only within “designated off-leash areas” rather than within any unimproved and unmaintained area of the park.

The city is currently seeking seven to nine residents to serve as members of a volunteer community work group to help guide the development of off-leash dog areas in city parks and other city owned properties. Find more information and an application in the project update area of this site.

  • December 2024

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    Community Work Group for Off-Leash Dog Areas in Parks

    The city is seeking seven to nine residents to serve as members of a volunteer community work group to help guide the development of off-leash dog areas in city parks and other city owned properties. This group will provide diverse perspectives, ensure balanced representation and foster collaboration to shape policies that reflect the needs and values of Minnetonka residents.

    Overall Group Composition (13-15 members total)

    • Public Works/Natural Resources staff
      • Leslie Yetka, Natural resources manager
      • Matt Kumka, Park and trail project manager
    • Public Safety/Police
      • Capt. Rachel Meehan, patrol services
    • Park Board members
      • Dave Ingraham
      • Anne Hanley
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission member
      • To be determined
    • Residents associated with existing public interest groups
      • PAWS (Minnetonka Paws for Parks) – Two members
      • FOMP (Friends of Minnetonka Parks) – Two members
    • Residents applicants from outreach effort
      • Three to five members based on interest and availability

    This interest form will be open to all from now until Dec. 31, 2024. Individuals who submitted an interest will be contacted by Jan. 10, 2025 and notified if they were selected (or not selected) for the work group.

    Principles for Member Selection

    The city will select members based on the following principles:

    1. Demographic Representation: The city aims to create a membership group that reflects the demographics of Minnetonka residents, including diverse racial, ethnic, age and gender identities.
    2. Balance of Power: The group will not include elected officials and will limit staff participation to a facilitative role, ensuring the group’s focus remains resident-driven.
    3. Respectful and Productive Space: Members must demonstrate a willingness to engage constructively, respectfully and collaboratively. Individuals seeking to disrupt or derail the process will not be selected.
    4. Resident Engagement: Only Minnetonka residents may participate, ensuring local voices shape city policies.
    5. Community Organization Partnerships: Community organizations may nominate individuals who align with these principles to strengthen the group’s effectiveness and representation.
Page last updated: 17 Dec 2024, 12:38 PM