Dearborn County, IN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 90 of the Dearborn County Code regulates dogs by behavior, not breed. Section 90.02 defines a VICIOUS AND DANGEROUS DOG as any animal that attacks, bites or injures human beings, pets, companion animals or livestock, or that has a known propensity to do so because of temperament, conditioning or training. No dog can be declared vicious and dangerous if the injury was sustained by a person committing a willful trespass or other tort on the premises, or provoking, tormenting, abusing or assaulting the dog. Government dogs and trained guard dogs in performance of their duties are excluded.

Under § 90.19, an animal control officer can preliminarily designate a dog on personal knowledge, on a written, signed complaint from any member of the public, or on other information Dearborn County Animal Control considers sufficient. Written notice goes to the owner or harborer and to the Commission, which is the Dearborn County Board of Commissioners or a board it establishes.

Once designated, § 90.18 adds duties on top of the ordinary restraint rules in § 90.17. A dog kept outside needs a second perimeter or area fence, with the dog confined in a pen or kennel with secure sides and a secure top; the sides must be buried two feet into the ground, sunken into a concrete pad, or attached to a wire bottom, and the gate is inward-opening and kept locked. Off its enclosure on the owner's property, the dog must be attended and on a leash no longer than ten feet, kept at least 15 feet within the boundary unless it is securely fenced. On streets or public places it must be securely muzzled. It cannot be chained or tied to a tree, post or building. A sign of at least 16 inches by 16 inches reading BEWARE VICIOUS DOG or BEWARE DANGEROUS DOG must be posted at the main entrance. A transfer of the dog must be reported to Animal Control within 48 hours.

The owner has ten days to file a written Notice of Appeal with the Commission, which sets a hearing within 20 days and decides no later than ten days after the hearing. The designation stays in force during the appeal.