This month the Watch covers pet ownership, specifically dog ownership. Dogs are valued members of our various families. But living within the City there are special ordinances required to be followed for dog ownership. Firstly all dogs must be licensed with the City of Minneapolis (http://www.minneapolismn.gov/animals/index.htm). This is so if the animal is lost, when it is found it can be returned to its home. Secondly all dogs must be kept in a fully fenced yard, or on a leash at all times (http://www.minneapolismn.gov/animals/pets/index.htm). From the Minneapolis Animal Care and Control website:

Keep Pets from Running-at-Large

Pets running at large can face many dangers and become a nuisance to others. Secure and supervise your pet is the best prevention.

• Dogs may be restrained to private property by leash, fence, or tether. A dog may only be loose in fenced, private property authorized by the property owner. Be sure the fence height is of adequate height, construction, and condition to prevent escape.

• Dogs must be on leash or restrained on any city owned property including streets, an alley, public parks, school grounds, or other public place except areas officially designated for off-leash activities by the City of Minneapolis' Park & Recreation Board.  
• No animal may be tied to any tree, shrub, post, or pole in any public place within the city.
• Female dogs and cats in heat must be confined so that it cannot come in contact with another dog or cat. 
• Tethers at least three (3) times the length of the animal can be used to secure dogs to the owner or custodian’s property but must not allow the animal to become tangled, prevent access to shelter and water or access to any area other than owner/custodian’s property.

If you see a pet running loose, you can call 311 to report the animal (note you cannot report this via the phone app or online) to Animal Care and Control. If you are attacked or witness an attack, call 911. Finally you as a pet owner are required to pick up after your pet. This includes all public places such as parks, sidewalks, streets, etc. Again, from the Animal Care and Control website:

Pick Up After Your Pet

Let's face it, poop happens! Owners or custodians of animals are responsible for removal and sanitary disposal of feces both on their personal property and public space. In any public spaces, owners or custodians are required to be in possession of suitable equipment for pick up, removal, and disposal of feces. Keeping yards and publicly shared spaces free of feces reduces the chances of disease transmission and makes use more enjoyable and safe for everyone.