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Bloomington, IN Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

General rule: All animals kept under restraint
Exemption: Altered cats with ID or ear-tipped feral cats
Restraint definition: Leash/lead or confinement on owner's property
Fine, altered animal: $20.00 first offense
Fine, unaltered animal: $100.00 first offense
Dangerous animal leash: Max 6 feet, adult control required

Summary

In the City of Bloomington, every animal except spayed or neutered cats wearing identification or ear-tipped feral cats must be kept under restraint at all times, meaning on a leash or lead or confined within the owner's property. Even an altered cat that roams free still isn't immune: it remains subject to the city's public nuisance rules.

"Restraint" means the securing of an animal by a leash or lead or confining it within the real property limits of property owned, lawfully occupied or controlled by its owner/guardian or keeper. ... All animals, except cats which have been neutered or spayed and are wearing identification or are ear-tipped or tattooed in the case of feral cats, shall be kept under restraint. However, altered cats not kept under restraint at all times are still subject to public nuisance laws cited in Chapter 7.28 of this title.

View official code

Full Breakdown

010 as securing the animal by a leash or lead or confining it within the real property limits controlled by its owner, guardian or keeper. 28 if they cause a problem while at large. 010 lets an animal control or law enforcement officer impound any animal at large, other than exempt altered cats that aren't a nuisance, or issue a notice of ordinance violation and return the animal if it can be safely secured. 26 face a tighter version of restraint: they may only leave the owner's property on a substantial leash no more than six feet long under an adult's control, and dangerous or vicious animals must also be muzzled.

020, which requires them to be kept in a building or secure enclosure away from male animals of the same species except for planned breeding.

Violations & Fines

Failing to restrain an altered animal costs $20.00 for a first offense under Bloomington Municipal Code § 7.56.030(b), doubling for repeat offenses within twelve months. Failing to restrain an unaltered animal costs $100.00 for a first offense, and failing to restrain a potentially dangerous or vicious animal also costs $100.00 for a first offense, both doubling on repeat violations within the same twelve-month window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bloomington have a leash law?

Yes. Bloomington Municipal Code § 7.24.010 requires every animal to be kept under restraint, meaning on a leash or lead, or confined within the owner's property, with one narrow exception for spayed or neutered cats wearing identification and ear-tipped feral cats belonging to a managed colony.

Can my altered cat roam free in Bloomington?

A spayed or neutered cat wearing identification is exempt from the restraint requirement under Section 7.24.010, but it's not exempt from the city's public nuisance rules in Chapter 7.28. If the cat becomes a nuisance while at large, its owner can still be fined.

What's the fine for an unleashed dog in Bloomington?

Failing to restrain an altered animal costs $20.00 for a first offense; an unaltered animal costs $100.00 for a first offense, both under Section 7.56.030(b). Either fine doubles for a second or later offense within twelve months of the first.

Sources & Official References

[1]Bloomington Municipal Code (Municode)

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All Bloomington rules

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