Common animal questions

Am I required to clean up after my pet?
Pet owners must clean up any feces left behind by their pet. In addition, city ordinance requires that pet owners carry something, such as a plastic bag, to clean up after their pet when walking it off the owner’s property.
What are the city’s leash laws?
Dogs and cats must be leashed whenever they are off the owner’s property. There are some exceptions to the leash lawn for both dogs and cats. These exceptions only apply in very specific circumstances. Owners should be aware they are responsible for any damaged caused by their pet and may be subject to fines and/or impoundment fees. If you have questions, call the Minnetonka Police Department at 952.939.8500 and ask for the community service officer.
Is there a limit on the number of animals allowed per household?
Minnetonka limits the total number of dogs and cats in a household to five. No more than two of the five may be dogs. To exceed the animal limit, you must apply for a multiple animal license. For more information on multiple animal licenses, call the Minnetonka Police Department at 952.939.8500 and ask for the community service officer.
What is a feral cat?
A feral cat is a cat that is a domesticated breed, but has lived in the wild its entire life. They are not friendly and can be extremely difficult to catch. As with any other animal, you can live trap feral cats and remove them from your property. The Minnetonka Police Department’s community service officer loans out live traps to catch feral cats. A deposit is required to borrow the traps. Call the Minnetonka Police Department at 952.939.8500 and ask for the community service officer.
How do I report a stray animal?
If you have a problem with stray animals, call 9-1-1. If you have questions about the animal control enforcement policy, call the Minnetonka Police Department at 952.939.8500 during regular business hours.
I found an orphaned fawn. What should I do?
Leave it alone! Fawns do not have a scent of their own for the first few days of their lives, so the doe will leave it and go feed some distance away. By doing this, the doe’s natural scent does not draw predators to where the vulnerable fawn is resting. Do not move the fawn or touch it unless it is in immediate danger. If the fawn remains in the same location for more than 24 hours, call the Minnetonka Police Department at 952.939.8500 and ask for the community service officer.
Is it legal to trap animals in Minnetonka?
A property owner has the right to live trap any animal causing damage to his or her property. Live traps are sold at most hardware and home improvement stores or can be rented at many rental stores. Leg hold traps and snares are not permitted for use within the city.
What should I do if I find an injured eagle, hawk or owl?
Try not to handle the raptor on your own. Contact the Minnetonka Police Department at 952.939.8500. A community service officer will pick up the injured raptor and transfer it to the University of Minnesota Raptor Center for evaluation.
What can I do about a Canadian goose that is nesting on or near my property and attacks me when I approach?
Geese are very territorial when they are nesting in the spring. If possible, find a different route past the nest. If unable to go around it, carry something with you, such as a broom, to gently push the goose away. Geese are protected waterfowl so do not use anything to injure the goose.
What can be done about the wild turkeys around my property?
The number of wild turkeys in the city seems to rise and fall throughout the year. Much if this is due to new hatchings, predators and the migration of the birds. Feeding birds and other wildlife can attract turkeys. Use loud noises to scare them off. Opening and closing an umbrella as you walk toward turkeys is often seen as a threatening display by another turkey and may chase them away from your “territory.”