on September 10, 2026

Nebraska Dog Poop Laws

Quick answer: Nebraska has no statewide pooper scooper law. Picking up after your dog is regulated city by city, and all three of the largest cities we checked have an ordinance requiring it. Bellevue publishes a set ticket of $25.

Why Nebraska leaves it to cities

Nebraska has no statewide statute requiring dog-waste pickup. State law lets cities regulate or prohibit dogs running at large and 'guard against injuries or annoyances therefrom' (Neb. Rev. Stat. 16-206 for cities of the first class; 17-526 for cities of the second class and villages). The only statewide at-large penalty is a fine of up to $25 for a dog running at large for ten days without a collar (Neb. Rev. Stat. 54-607).

  • First-class cities: regulate dogs running at large: Neb. Rev. Stat. 16-206 (read it)
  • Second-class cities and villages: regulate dogs running at large: Neb. Rev. Stat. 17-526 (read it)
  • Dog running at large without collar: fine up to $25: Neb. Rev. Stat. 54-607 (read it)

Pooper scooper laws in Nebraska's largest cities

Each row comes from the city's own municipal code. "Up to" is the most a court can impose, not a standard ticket. Where a city publishes no amount, we say so rather than estimate one.

City Ordinance Fine Must carry a bag
Omaha Omaha Municipal Code Sec. 6-74(a) and (b) (Public nuisances); general penalty Sec. 1-10; citations Sec. 6-26 Up to $500 No
Lincoln Lincoln Municipal Code 6.08.155 (Disposal of dog waste); yard sanitation 6.08.150; penalty 6.08.350 At least $100 No
Bellevue Bellevue Code of Ordinances Sec. 6-6(A) (Animal waste); penalty Sec. 6-9 $25 No

The rule people miss: carrying the bag

None of the cities we checked in Nebraska spell out a separate duty to carry a bag, but the pickup duty applies the moment your dog goes, and "I did not have a bag" is not a defense in any of them.

A bag holder on the leash solves that for good. Ours is the Walk Dispenser, which clips on and holds a full roll.

Worth knowing about Nebraska

  • Lincoln sets mandatory minimum fines ($100, $200, $300) and also requires owners to clear dog waste from their own yards at least every five days (6.08.150).
  • Omaha's rule expressly applies inside designated off-leash dog parks (6-74(b)).
  • Bellevue's $25 pay-by-mail fine is among the lowest published for a large city in this batch.

Common questions

Is it illegal to not pick up dog poop in Nebraska?

There is no statewide law, but every one of the largest cities we checked has a pickup rule, and most smaller towns have similar ordinances. Check your own city or county code.

How much is the fine for not picking up dog poop in Nebraska?

It depends on the city. Omaha: Up to $500. Lincoln: At least $100. Bellevue: $25.

Do I have to carry a poop bag in Nebraska?

Not as a separate rule in the cities we checked. You still have to pick up, so in practice you need one.

Other states in the Midwest

Illinois · Ohio · Michigan · Indiana · Missouri · Wisconsin · Minnesota · Iowa

See all 50 states · How scoop laws work in general

Sources

Checked 2026-09-10. Ordinances change, so if you are dealing with an actual citation, read the current code at the link rather than relying on this page.

This page is general information, not legal advice.