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

020 defines "DANGEROUS ANIMAL" as one that presents a substantial threat of bodily harm to a person or pet in its vicinity, or would if it escaped its enclosure or its owner's control, based on past acts of aggressive behavior, and states plainly that "a dog's breed shall not be considered" in that determination (K-9 corps dogs used by military or law enforcement are excluded from the definition entirely). 090(A)(7) reinforces this by barring a finding of dangerousness from growling or barking alone. 090(C), any person may file a sworn complaint with the Commission, whose president screens for probable cause before an Animal Control Officer seizes the animal pending a hearing; the Commission must hold that hearing within seven business days of a request, on at least three days' written notice to the owner.

090(F)(1), triggering a 10-day window to appeal to the Commission through the Evansville City Clerk's office before destruction. 090(E) lets it impose escalating conditions: mandatory registration and update notices, indoor supervision by an adult, secure fencing or a leash no longer than six feet, and, only where a person suffered serious injury, muzzling, an escape-proof kennel, warning signage, behaviorist training, spay/neuter, microchipping, and a minimum $500,000 liability insurance policy. Appeals from a Commission decision go to Vanderburgh Circuit or Superior Court as a de novo action within ten days.