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

071, DOGS AND CATS UNDER RESTRAINT, makes it the owner's responsibility to ensure animals are restrained both on and off their real property. Subsection (A)(1) lists the acceptable on-property confinement methods: inside the owner's home or residence; in an enclosed and locked pen or kennel with secure sides, top and bottom, adequate lighting and ventilation, kept clean and sanitary and complying with city zoning and building codes; or within a fenced area of sufficient quality and height to prevent escape and to keep the animal from crossing the property line, with no animal left tethered, chained or leashed unattended.

Subsection (A)(2) governs off-property movement directly: "When off the real property, animals shall be on a leash not to exceed 6 feet in length," and the leash may not contain weight-bearing objects or be used to tie the animal up unattended. 072 layers on a public-nuisance standard for animals that are aggressive, repeatedly unrestrained, or destructive, which the Department of Animal Control can enforce by requiring the animal be muzzled or caged whenever off the owner's property. The current restraint language was amended most recently by Ordinance 8770, passed July 24, 2006, building on the original 1975 ordinance and a 2004 amendment.