HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair has adopted a new Dog Control Policy requiring all dogs on the Kansas State Fairgrounds to be under the physical control of their owner or handler while on the property. The policy is designed to enhance the safety of visitors, exhibitors, vendors, employees, volunteers, event participants, and livestock during both Kansas State Fair and non-Fair events.
The new policy reinforces the Kansas State Fair’s longstanding commitment to providing a safe, family-friendly environment while aligning Fairgrounds regulations with the City of Hutchinson’s existing ordinance regarding dogs running at large.
“Safety is our highest priority,” said Bryan K. Schulz, General Manager of the Kansas State Fair. “With hundreds of thousands of guests, hundreds of exhibitors, valuable livestock, and year-round events taking place on our grounds, keeping dogs properly restrained is an important step in protecting both people and animals. This policy provides clear expectations for pet owners while helping ensure everyone can enjoy the Fairgrounds safely.”
Under the policy:
- All dogs on the Kansas State Fairgrounds must be on a leash and under the physical control of a responsible owner or handler.
- Dogs may not be permitted to run at large anywhere on the Fairgrounds.
- Owners are responsible for maintaining control of their animals, cleaning up after them, and ensuring their pets do not create a nuisance or pose a threat to others.
- Dogs participating in approved Fair, non-Fair, or vendor-authorized obedience training activities are exempt from the leash requirement only while actively participating and must always remain under control.
The policy is consistent with City of Hutchinson Ordinance Section 7-407, which prohibits dogs from running at large within the city. Kansas law does not establish a statewide leash requirement, leaving regulation to local jurisdictions. During the annual Kansas State Fair, additional regulations governing animals also apply under K.A.R. 116-2-1.
If an unrestrained or unattended dog is observed on the Fairgrounds during the Kansas State Fair, guests should notify the Kansas Highway Patrol immediately. During non-Fair, the Fair Office should be contacted so the Hutchinson Police Department or Animal Control can be notified if necessary.
Failure to comply with the policy may result in removal of the animal from the Fairgrounds, removal of the owner or handler from the property or event, and/or enforcement action by local law enforcement or Animal Control.
The Kansas State Fair appreciates the cooperation of all guests, exhibitors, vendors, and event organizers in helping maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone who visits the Fairgrounds throughout the year.
For additional information regarding Fairgrounds policies, please contact the Kansas State Fair Administration Office at 620-669-3600 or visit www.kansasstatefair.gov.
