City Ordinance 93.01 – 93.44
If an animal bites you or your pet bites someone else, you are required to report the bite to the Hutchinson Police Department at (320) 587-2242. This is for the safety of humans and pets alike. In most cases, no action will be taken against the dog or owner other than the required quarantine. Report all bites from domestic or wild animals and consult a physician on the best way to treat the wound.
Dogs and cats running loose pose a problem to animals, people and property. Dogs or cats must be on a leash and controlled by a reasonable person shall be permitted in streets or on public land unless prohibited with signs reading “Dogs and Cats Prohibited.” Dogs or cats who are under the control and direction of a responsible person so as to be effectively restrained by leash or an electronic control device shall be permitted only on private property at the consent of the property owner or in a public area designated as such.
Every dog barks and makes noise. However, no one likes a nuisance barker. It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, have in possession, or harbor any dog which by frequent and habitual howling, yelping, barking, or otherwise, produce noise that unreasonably disturbs the peace, quiet, or repose of a person or persons of ordinary sensibility, provided that the provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized hospitals or clinics conducted for the treatment of small animals. The barking must also be audible off of the owner’s or caretaker’s premises. Call (320) 587-2242 to report these incidents. Animal owners may be warned, cited or arrested.
The city requires that any household with more than three dogs, or more than seven cats and dogs combined that are over the age of six months apply for a multiple animal location permit. Call the Hutchinson Police Department at (320) 587-2242.
The city of Hutchinson requires pet licenses for all dogs and cats. This license is $10.00 per animal. This fee is waived if the owner provides proof the animal has been spayed or neutered or micro-chipped. Dog owners must have their dogs vaccinated against rabies and keep proof of the vaccination. For more information, visit the City code and charter.
No one likes an unexpected surprise on their shoe when they are out walking. It is important to clean up your dog’s “daily deposits” and dispose of them in a sanitary manner. This includes feces on the owner’s property, other private property and in the groomed and ungroomed areas of public parks and trails. Picking up your dog’s feces will keep the city clean and help control the spread of parasites from dog to dog. A plastic bag makes a convenient clean-up device, and Mutt Mitts are available on the city’s trail system. For more information, visit the City code and charter.
All dogs and cats over six months old that reside in the city of Hutchinson are recommended to have a current rabies vaccination. Animals are not required to wear a rabies tag, but verification of current rabies vaccination by a licensed veterinarian should be available upon request. Call (320) 587-2242 for more information.
Animals that are picked up by an officer and cannot be returned home due to lack of ID tags, chronic history or running at large, or other circumstances, will be impounded. Pick up your pet by contacting the Hutchinson Police Department, 10 Franklin St SW., Hutchinson, (320) 587-2242.
Pets may be picked up by appointment by calling the Hutchinson Police Department at (320) 587-2242.
Impound fees are: $50. Boarding fees are $40 for the first day for both dogs and cats, $20 per each following day for dogs and $15 per each following day for cats. There is also a $44 testing fee for cats.
Being impounded is not a happy experience for the dog or its owner. In addition to the emotional toll and the inconvenience, there can be significant cost to bring your pet home. Remember, if your pet is missing, call the Hutchinson Police Department at (320) 587-2242.
Spaying or neutering your pet is one way you can help to reduce the number of animals that must be euthanized each year. Contact your veterinarian for more information.
