Gary, IN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Section 8-135 of the Gary Municipal Code defines American pit bull terrier as the breed registered by the United Kennel Club and American Dog Breeders Association, including cross-breeds, but excludes the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, English Bulldog, bull terrier, and bulldog recognized by the American Kennel Club. The article also separately covers any potentially dangerous dog, defined to include a dog that has bitten a person or domestic animal unprovoked, has a documented history of biting or attacking, or has a known propensity to attack, threaten, or endanger safety.

Section 8-137 requires every owner of a pit bull or potentially dangerous dog to maintain a $500,000.00 liability insurance policy at all times the dog is owned. Section 8-138 requires annual licensing with the city controller's office, a permanent ear tattoo assigned at first licensing, and a visible sign reading 'Beware Potentially Dangerous Dog' at the property where the dog is kept; newly acquired pit bulls must be registered within 72 hours. Section 8-140(a) requires the dog be securely confined indoors or in a locked pen with sides or a top at least six feet high; if not confined, § 8-140(b) requires it be muzzled and kept on a leash with the owner present, with narrow exceptions for licensed dog shows and supervised hunting.

Section 8-143 requires a separate city breeder's license before breeding a covered dog, and § 8-145 bans fighting or baiting the dog outright. Section 8-146(a) bars anyone under 18 from walking or transporting the dog on public property and requires it be muzzled and leashed there; § 8-146(b) provides that a covered dog that kills or seriously injures a person is temporarily forfeited and impounded pending the city's legal proceedings, at the owner's expense.