Allen County, IN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed ban
- None in county code
- Standard
- Behavior/bite history
- Vicious animal fine
- Up to $2,500 per occurrence
- Vicious threshold
- 3 bites/36 mo or severe injury
- State law
- IC 15-20-1-4
Summary
Allen County's Animal Control Ordinance imposes no breed-specific ban. It regulates dogs by behavior: ACC 8-33-3-4 prohibits harboring a 'vicious animal,' defined by bite history, not breed. Indiana's dog-bite statute (IC 15-20-1) is likewise behavior-based.
No person shall harbor or own a vicious animal as defined in this ordinance. A person whose animal is deemed a vicious animal violates this section and may be fined up to $2,500.00 per occurrence of any act or condition within the definition of Vicious Animal.
Full Breakdown
The Allen County Code Title 8, Article 33 contains no pit-bull or breed-specific provision. Instead it defines a 'Vicious Animal' (ACC 8-33-2-10) as one that, unprovoked and aggressive, has bitten or attacked a person, domestic animal, or livestock at least three times in 36 months, or, regardless of number, has bitten a person causing severe injury, potentially life-threatening wounds, or permanent scarring. ACC 8-33-3-4 makes harboring such an animal a violation, fined up to $2,500 per occurrence, with impoundment; a court may order humane euthanasia after a hearing if release would threaten public safety. Indiana permits local breed rules, but Allen County has not adopted one. State law IC 15-20-1-4 sets the criminal dog-bite framework by conduct.
Violations & Fines
Harboring a vicious animal under ACC 8-33-3-4 is fined up to $2,500 per occurrence; the animal may be impounded and, after a court hearing, euthanized. State penalties under IC 15-20-1-4 escalate to felony levels for serious injury or death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls banned in Allen County?
What makes a dog 'vicious' in Allen County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Allen County
How Allen County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Allen County to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.