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

The Elkhart County Code of Ordinances does not restrict or ban any dog breed. Section 90.01, adopted by Ordinance 09-396 on December 7, 2009, defines DANGEROUS ANIMAL entirely by what the animal has done: it has seriously injured a human, domestic animal or livestock; attacked, bitten or belligerently pursued a human without provocation; attacked or bitten a domestic animal or livestock off its owner's property; or been documented at large three or more times in 12 months while showing aggressive behavior. The definition exempts animals defending themselves, their offspring or a person under attack, animals responding to provocation or a trespass, and K-9 patrol or police dogs on duty.

Once a law enforcement officer or animal control agent impounds a dangerous animal, § 90.11(C) gives the owner 48 hours to show proof of, or complete, dangerous animal registration; missing that window, or waiving ownership in writing, allows the animal to be humanely euthanized under § 90.11(D). Registration itself runs through § 90.12(A): the owner registers with County Code Enforcement, pays a $500 fee, and supplies a driver's license or government ID, proof of ownership and age 18 or older, current rabies records, proof of at least $300,000 in liability insurance, four photographs from each side, the previous owner's contact information if any, proof the animal is spayed, neutered or otherwise altered, and proof of microchip implanting. Section 90.12(B) then requires secure confinement, an 11-gauge chain-link kennel or equivalent, buried or fastened sides, a locked top and floor the animal cannot escape, a muzzle whenever the animal leaves the property for veterinary care, and visible warning signage within 50 feet of the public roadway. The registrant has 14 days after registering to meet every physical requirement or the animal may be impounded and humanely euthanized, and County Code Enforcement can inspect the enclosure at any time.