There is a quite a bit of research on the positive aspects of allowing dogs to be off leash. Watch for these to be posted here in the near future.
In the mean time I will simply say that dogs do require both love and training. On or off leash there is a relationship between a dog and their environment. This is a product of the dog’s character and their relationship with their owner/family. In every case it is the responsibility of the dog’s owner to manage the dogs behavior and ensure other people and dogs they encounter are not disturbed
Fencing in parks really is not necessary or positive in any way.
Minnesota laws already address problem animals.
Minn. Stat. §§ 347.50-565 (2025).
When Dogs Can Be Declared Dangerous or Potentially Dangerous
A potentially dangerous dog is one that has bitten or chased a person, or that has a tendency to attack or endanger people.
A dangerous dog is one that has seriously injured a person, or killed a domestic animal while off its owner’s property. A dog will also be deemed dangerous if it has already been declared potentially dangerous, and continues to attack or threaten people.
Before a dog is declared dangerous or potentially dangerous, its owner has a right to attend a hearing where they can argue on behalf of their pet. Just like in a civil lawsuit, an owner can defend their dog by arguing that its behavior was provoked.
Requirements for Owners of Dangerous and Potentially Dangerous Dogs
If a dog is declared dangerous or potentially dangerous, requirements will be imposed on its owner. For example, if a dog has been deemed dangerous then:
- the owner must buy insurance to cover the costs of any future attack
- the dog must be restrained either inside a secure enclosure, or with a muzzle and a strong leash
- the owner must have the dog microchipped for identification purposes, and
- the owner must identify the dog as dangerous with special tags and with signs on their property
Owners who fail to comply with these requirements risk criminal penalties and the confiscation of their dog. A dog could also be euthanized if its owner fails to comply with these requirements. A dog can also be euthanized if it has committed a very serious attack on a person (for example, an attack that caused serious injuries, or an attack where it inflicted multiple bites).
(Minn. Stat. §§ 347.50-565 (2025).)