Evansville, IN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed factor
- Not considered by law
- Basis for finding
- Documented past aggressive acts
- Enforcer
- Animal Control & Education Commission
- Max fine
- $2,500 per violation
Summary
Evansville's Animal Control chapter defines a dangerous animal by documented aggressive behavior, not by breed. EMC 6.05.020 expressly excludes a dog's breed from that determination, so no breed is presumptively dangerous or banned.
“Dangerous animal” means any animal which presents a substantial threat of bodily harm to any person or pet in its vicinity or if it were to escape its primary enclosure or escape from the control of its owner or custodian. Such determination is to be made from past acts of aggressive behavior justifying the determination that it is a dangerous animal. A dog’s breed shall not be considered in determining whether or not it is “dangerous.” This definition excludes K-9 corps dogs in use by the military or government law enforcement agencies.
“Designee” means a person selected, appointed or nominated for a particular purpose or duty.
“Domestic animal” shall include, but is not limited to:
(1) Dog;
(2) Cat;
(3) Cattle (bovine);
(4) Horse;
(5) Sheep;
(6) Goat;
(7) Rabbit;
(8) Mouse;
(9) Rat;
(10) Donkey;
(11) Guinea pig;
(12) Hamster;
(13) Gerbil;
(14) Pigeon, homing or racing;
(15) Chicken, turkey, goose, duck;
(16) Llama;
(17) Pig;
(18) Bison;
(19) Chinchilla;
(20) Mink;
(21) Ferret.
“Dwelling” means a building or place of shelter to live in; place of residence, abode; home.
“Eartip” means a mark identifying a feral or stray cat as having been sterilized, specifically the removal of one-quarter inch off the tip of the cat’s left ear in a straight line cut while the cat is anesthetized.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The City's Animal Control chapter, EMC Title 6 Chapter 6.05, defines a "dangerous animal" solely by its own past acts of aggression toward a person or pet, and states directly that breed cannot factor into the determination. Instead, EMC 6.05.150 sets a behavior-based process: the Animal Control and Education Commission investigates complaints, holds a hearing, and can order registration, muzzling, secure fencing, liability insurance, or destruction, but only after a documented attack, never from breed alone. Growling or barking alone also cannot support a dangerous finding.
Violations & Fines
Owning a declared dangerous animal without complying with commission-ordered conditions, registration, muzzling, secure fencing, insurance, draws a fine up to $2,500 per violation and can lead to seizure or court-ordered destruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Evansville ban pit bulls or other dog breeds?
What happens if my dog is declared dangerous?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evansville
How Evansville compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Evansville to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview
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