Floyd County, IN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Enclosure standard
- At least six feet high, buried or on concrete
- Off-property restraint
- Muzzle plus lead no longer than six feet
- First-offense fine
- $100 to $250 (§ 93.999(B)(2))
- Repeat violation
- Impoundment and euthanasia of the animal
- Owner-paid procedures
- Spay/neuter and microchip at owner's expense
- Enforcement
- Floyd County Animal Control and Sheriff's Office
- Required signage
- Warning sign visible from public right-of-way
Summary
Floyd County does not restrict dogs by breed. Instead, unincorporated Floyd County declares an animal "dangerous" based on its documented behavior toward people or other animals under Floyd County Code § 93.057. A dangerous-animal declaration triggers strict caging, muzzling, and registration duties under § 93.058, enforced by Floyd County Animal Control and the Sheriff's Office, with escalating fines and mandatory euthanasia for a repeat violation.
DANGEROUS ANIMAL. ... (a) Any animal which constitutes a physical threat to human beings or other domestic animals by virtue of a known propensity to endanger life by unprovoked assault or bite or scratch so as to cause serious bodily harm; ... (B) ... Enclosures for dangerous animals. (1) Enclosures for dangerous animals shall be a covered fence or fabricated structure at least six feet in height, installed beneath ground level, or in concrete or pavement to prevent digging under it, and with a gravel or concrete floor; and of a sufficient size to allow the animal to stand, sit, and turn around in a natural position, and which allows for adequate exercise for the size/breed being kept. ... § 93.058 DUTY OF OWNERS OF DANGEROUS ANIMALS. (A) It shall be the duty of every owner of a dangerous animal to exercise reasonable care and to take all necessary steps and precautions to protect other people, property, and animals from injuries or damage which might result from the animal’s behavior, regardless of whether such behavior is motivated by mischievousness, playfulness, or ferocity.
Full Breakdown
057(A) defines DANGEROUS ANIMAL by conduct, not breed: an animal with a known propensity to attack, bite, or scratch a person or another animal without provocation, or one certified dangerous by a licensed aggression evaluator, qualifies regardless of breed. The ordinance carves out exceptions for animals defending an owner from assault, defending offspring on the owner's property, or working in law enforcement. 057(B) requires the owner to keep the animal in an enclosure that is a covered fence or fabricated structure at least six feet high, set below ground level or over concrete or pavement to stop digging, with a gravel or concrete floor and enough room for the animal to stand, sit, and turn around.
057(C) requires a secure muzzle and a leather or nylon lead no longer than six feet, controlled by an adult able to restrain the animal. 058 adds ongoing duties: notify a landlord if the animal lives on rental property, spay or neuter and microchip the animal at the owner's expense, post a visible warning sign readable from the public right-of-way, and immediately notify the animal shelter or the County Sheriff if the animal escapes, attacks, or dies. 038. 058 at $100 to $250, and mandates impoundment and euthanasia if a previously declared dangerous animal is found in violation again.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of Floyd County Code §§ 93.057 or 93.058 carries a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $250 under § 93.999(B)(2). If an animal already declared dangerous under those sections is found in violation a second time, Floyd County Animal Control impounds and euthanizes it. Officers may also seize any dangerous animal whose owner fails to comply, subject to the owner's right to contest the seizure in county court while posting a bond under § 93.038.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Floyd County ban specific dog breeds?
What must an owner do once an animal is declared dangerous?
What happens if a declared dangerous animal violates the rules again?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Floyd County
How Floyd County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Floyd County to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview
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