Hammond, IN Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Heat confinement section
- § 91.071(B)
- Breeding restriction
- Requires valid kennel permit, § 121.20
- Cat trap deposit
- $25, refundable
- Trap program section
- § 91.077
- Damaged/lost trap
- Resident owes city's replacement cost
Summary
In the City of Hammond, Indiana, a female cat in heat must be confined so she cannot contact another animal, and residents who borrow a Hammond Animal Control cat trap must post a $25 deposit, refunded only if the trap comes back undamaged, under Code of Ordinances §§ 91.071(B) and 91.077.
(B) Every female dog or cat in season shall be confined in a residence or secure enclosure in a manner that the female dog or cat cannot come into contact with another animal. Breeding of any dog or cat within the city without a valid kennel permit (as defined in § 121.20) is prohibited. ... § 91.077 CAT TRAPS. (A) In the event a resident requests a cat trap from Hammond Animal Control, the resident will be required to deposit $25 prior to receiving the trap. (B) If the trap is returned in the same condition that it was when the resident received the trap, the deposit shall be refunded to the resident.
Full Breakdown
20. 071(A) also applies to cats: they must be kept indoors, in a secure locked pen, or behind an escape-proof fence on the owner's property, and on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the property. 077, CAT TRAPS, sets out how Hammond Animal Control lends traps to residents: a resident requesting a cat trap must deposit $25 before receiving it, and the deposit is refunded if the trap is returned in the same condition it was issued in. If the trap comes back damaged, or is reported lost or stolen, the resident must reimburse the city for its cost, with the $25 deposit applied against that balance and up to 30 days to pay any remainder; unpaid balances are referred to the city's Law Department, which may take further action to recover the money.
050, under which any household keeping a dog or cat over 12 weeks old must obtain a city animal license through the City Controller within 30 days, supported by a current rabies certificate.
Violations & Fines
Failing to confine a female cat in heat under § 91.071(B) is punishable under § 91.999(A): a fine not exceeding $500, with each day the violation continues a separate offense. Cat trap deposit disputes under § 91.077 are handled as a civil billing matter, with unresolved balances referred to the city's Law Department for recovery rather than a criminal citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hammond require female cats in heat to be confined?
How do I get a cat trap from Hammond Animal Control?
Does Hammond license cats the same as dogs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hammond
Compare Hammond to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview
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