Hendricks County, IN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 91.07
- Breed-specific ban
- None; conduct-based only
- Dangerous-animal enclosure
- 6-ft fence or secure pen (potentially dangerous)
- Microchip required
- Yes, owner's expense
- Appeal window
- 15 days to County Commissioners
Summary
Hendricks County has no breed-specific ban; instead it declares individual animals dangerous or potentially dangerous based on behavior, such as an unprovoked bite or menacing approach, then imposes confinement, muzzling, and registration rules on that specific animal.
(B) The owner shall confine, within a building or secure enclosure, every fierce, dangerous, or vicious animal, and not take such animal out of such building, or secure enclosure, unless such animal is securely muzzled and a leash is secured to a choker chain around the animal's neck, and the owner is in complete control of the leash... This animal must be microchipped by a licensed veterinarian or the County Animal Control/Shelter, and the number kept on file at the County Animal Control/Shelter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-3: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2024-50, passed 12-10-2024; and State law current through Indiana Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
02 define DANGEROUS ANIMAL and POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ANIMAL entirely by conduct, not breed: a dangerous animal includes one that has inflicted severe injury on a human or domestic animal without provocation, one kept for animal fighting, or one involved in more than one attack; a potentially dangerous animal includes one that unprovoked chases or approaches a person in a menacing fashion, or has a known propensity for unprovoked attack. 07(A) has Animal Control Officers investigate complaints and issue a written determination on a case-by-case basis when an animal may fit either category, dated and itemizing expected care costs.
07(B) requires it be confined in a building or secure enclosure with a padlocked gate and warning sign, muzzled and on a leash secured to a choker chain whenever removed by the owner, and microchipped, with periodic inspections by Animal Control. 07(C) must instead be kept in a six-foot fenced yard or secure enclosure, leashed with a choke collar when out, similarly signed, padlocked, and microchipped. 07(A)(4): within 15 days of notice, the owner may request County Board of Commissioners review and must post a bond covering at least 30 days of care, with the Board required to rule within 30 days or the officer's determination stands automatically.
Violations & Fines
An owner unwilling or unable to meet the confinement conditions must have the animal humanely euthanized under 91.07(C)(2). An animal not properly enclosed, or outside its enclosure without proper restraint, is immediately confiscated under 91.07(C)(3), and the owner may be cited for a chapter violation under 91.99, carrying a fine of up to $500 per day. If a dangerous or potentially dangerous animal then bites or attacks, the owner may be cited and the animal quarantined at the County Animal Control/Shelter under 91.07(C)(4).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hendricks County ban pit bulls or other specific breeds?
What happens once my dog is declared dangerous?
Can I appeal a dangerous animal determination?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hendricks County
How Hendricks County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Hendricks County to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview
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