Allen County, IN Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- ACC 8-33-3-5 (at large)
- First offense fine
- Up to $50
- Third+ offense fine
- Up to $500
- Enforced by
- Allen County Sheriff
- Applies
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
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.
(A) No owner or possessor of any animal may allow such animal to run at large, whether wearing a collar and tag or not. (D) A person violating this section may be fined up to $50.00 for a first occurrence; up to $100 for a second occurrence; and up to $500.00 for third and subsequent occurrences.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs have to be leashed in Allen County?
What is the fine for a loose dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Allen County
Compare Allen County to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview
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