Dog owners in Mariemont face new rules under Ordinance O-10-26, which the village adopted and published July 19. Leash your dog in all public spaces or face citations with escalating penalties.

The Mariemont Police Department is administering both enforcement and a new paid registration program that allows qualifying dogs off-leash access at the South 80 Acres. Everywhere else in the village, dogs must be leashed and under their owner's control when off private property, according to the village's ordinance page.

What changed

The updated ordinance creates a clear framework: dogs found unleashed outside the South 80 Acres can be cited for running at large, with penalties that escalate for repeat violations. Specific dollar amounts for those fines have not been published in the village's public materials.

Dogs are also now banned from the enclosed Tot Lot at Dogwood Park. Service animals are exempt.

Off-leash registration

Owners who want their dogs to run free at the South 80 Acres must meet four conditions: the dog must be registered with the village, display a valid village-issued ID tag, remain under positive voice control, and the owner must have no prior violations under the ordinance.

The village FAQ defines "positive voice control" as the dog responding immediately to commands and staying under the owner's control without a leash.

Registration costs $50 per dog, a one-time fee paid in cash or by check to the Village of Mariemont. Owners must register in person at MPD headquarters at 6907 Wooster Pike and submit a completed registration form with payment.

The Mariemont Police Department's Chief of Police holds authority to revoke any dog's registration for violations of village rules or applicable laws, according to the village FAQ.

Enforcement

The Mariemont Police Department is the sole enforcing agency. Owners are liable for any damages their animals cause, and violations carry escalating penalties. The village has posted signage related to the ordinance in the community.

Residents with questions can visit the Mariemont Police Department at 6907 Wooster Pike or review the full ordinance and FAQ at mariemont.org.