Fort Wayne requires dogs to be leashed at all times when off the owner property. Allen County ordinance mandates a physical leash no longer than 6 feet in public spaces, with off-leash use only permitted at designated dog parks.
Fort Wayne and Allen County maintain a strict leash law requiring all dogs to be under physical restraint when in public spaces, parks, sidewalks, or any property not owned by the handler. The leash must be 6 feet or shorter and held by a person capable of controlling the animal. The City of Fort Wayne operates designated off-leash dog parks, including Pawster Park Pooch Playground, where a Pooch Pass is required. Enforcement is handled by Allen County Animal Care and Control. Voice control alone does not satisfy the leash requirement. IC 15-20 establishes strict liability for any bite incident regardless of leash status.
First offense typically $50-$100; impoundment possible for loose dogs. Bite incidents trigger mandatory quarantine and may escalate to dangerous dog designation.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Fort Wayne's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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