Evansville, IN Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash rule
- Required off owner's property
- At-large ban
- Dogs may not run loose
- First-offense fine
- $80.00
- Third-offense fine
- $500.00
Summary
Evansville requires any animal to be leashed whenever it is off the owner's property, and separately bans dogs running at large, with escalating fines up to $500.
An animal shall be leashed when it is off the owner’s property. One end of the leash shall be attached to the collar or harness and the other end attached to the person accompanying the animal. This provision shall not apply to an animal that is otherwise physically restrained at any facility.
(G) Trap-neuter-return (TNR) shall be permitted within the City of Evansville. [Ord. G-2015-19, passed 7-29-15. 1983 Code § 9.90.06.]
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under EMC 6.05.060(F), an animal must be leashed anytime it is off the owner's property, with one end of the leash on the collar or harness and the other held by the accompanying person; the rule does not apply to an animal otherwise physically restrained at a facility. EMC 6.05.040(A)(4) separately makes it a prohibited act to be the custodian of a dog running at large or not under restraint. Both are enforced by the City's Animal Care and Control division under Chapter 6.05.
Violations & Fines
$80 fine for a first at-large violation within 12 months, $150 for a second, and $500 for a third or more, under EMC 6.05.040(A)(4) and 6.05.180(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to leash my dog in Evansville?
What's the fine for a dog at large in Evansville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evansville
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