Lake County, IN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- Lake County Code Sec. 90.39
- Leash
- Max four feet, with harness
- Insurance
- $50,000 liability required
- Signage
- "Beware of Dog" required
- State bite law
- IC 15-20-1-4
Summary
Unincorporated Lake County imposes breed-specific rules on pit bulls. When not confined, a pit bull must be muzzled and leashed on a four-foot leash attached to an escape-proof harness. Keepers must carry $50,000 liability insurance, post "Beware of Dog" signs, and file photos with the County Clerk.
When a Pit Bull dog is not being confined in a pen or kennel or indoors, the dog shall be: (1) Muzzled...; (2) Securely leashed with a leash no longer than four feet in length... attached to an escape proof commercial quality walking harness.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-14: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through 6-9-2026; and State legislation current through Indiana Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
Lake County Code Sec. 90.39 defines PIT BULL to include the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and dogs predominantly of those breeds. When not confined in a pen, kennel, or indoors, the dog must be muzzled and securely leashed with a leash no longer than four feet attached to a commercial walking harness (no neck collar substitute) and never leashed to trees, posts, or buildings. Keepers must maintain $50,000 public liability insurance, display "Beware of Dog" signs, and provide two color photographs to the County Clerk. Statewide, IC 15-20-1-4 makes it a criminal offense when an owner recklessly fails to restrain any dog that then bites off-property. Cities set separate rules.
Violations & Fines
Violation of Sec. 90.39 carries a fine of at least $100 and the dog is subject to immediate seizure, impoundment, removal, or euthanasia; the county may bar the keeper from owning a pit bull.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which breeds are restricted in unincorporated Lake County?
Do I really need dog liability insurance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
How Lake County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Lake County to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.