In unincorporated Allen County, Indiana, dogs may not run at large. ACC 8-33-3-5 requires every owner to keep an animal enclosed, tethered, or on a leash under a competent person's direct control on public property. Fines escalate from $50 to $500.
Allen County Code Title 8, Article 33 (Animal Control Ordinance, effective October 1, 2021) governs the unincorporated county; it does not apply inside Fort Wayne, New Haven, or other towns with their own rules. Section 8-33-3-5 makes it unlawful for any owner to allow an animal to run at large, collared or not, and lets a Sheriff's officer impound it, pursuing onto private property if needed. Owners must securely enclose the animal, restrain it by chain, cable, or tether of sufficient strength, or keep it leashed and under direct control on public property. Off-leash is allowed only on the owner's property or a dog park with the person present. Separately, ACC 8-33-3-1 bars letting any animal stray beyond the premises.
ACC 8-33-3-5(D): a first at-large occurrence is fined up to $50, a second up to $100, third and later up to $500. Straying carries up to $500. Loose animals may be impounded; enforced by the Sheriff under IC 34-28-5.
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See how Allen County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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