Vanderburgh County, IN Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Vanderburgh County Code § 6.05.040(A)
- At-large definition section
- § 6.05.020
- First-offense fine
- $50.00
- Third-offense fine
- $500.00
- Nonquarantined redemption fee
- $7.00 plus $5.00 per day
- Enforcing agencies
- Sheriff, Animal Care and Control, Health Dept.
- Quiet-hours exception area
- Suburban Enforcement Areas, 24-hour rule
Summary
Vanderburgh County's Animal Control Ordinance makes it a violation for an owner, agent or custodian to let an animal go "at large," meaning off its own property without a leash, or on a leash that fails to adequately confine it or isn't under a physically capable handler's immediate control.
“AT LARGE” means any Animal that is: 1. not on a leash and is off the property of its Owner, its Custodian, the Agent of the Owner or the Custodian, or its keeper, or 2. on a leash that does not adequately confine the Animal to the property of its Owner, its Custodian, or the Agent of its Owner or Custodian, or its keeper, or 3. on a leash that is not otherwise under the immediate control of a person physically capable of restraining the Animal. ... A. Permit an Animal to be stray, at large, or become an Animal Nuisance.
Full Breakdown
020 defines "AT LARGE" as any animal that is (1) not on a leash and off the property of its owner, custodian or their agent or keeper; (2) on a leash that does not adequately confine the animal to that property; or (3) on a leash not otherwise under the immediate control of a person physically capable of restraining it. "LEASH" is defined as a cord, chain, rope, strap or other physical restraint. (any time of day in a platted Suburban Enforcement Area of 20 or more completed homes outside Evansville). 050. 080(B).
Violations & Fines
Section 6.05.060 sets a graduated fine schedule per person: $50.00 for a first violation of the ordinance, $100.00 for a second violation, and $500.00 for a third or subsequent violation. An animal picked up at large may be impounded; a custodian can redeem a nonquarantined animal for a $7.00 fee plus $5.00 per day of impoundment, or a quarantined animal for $20.00 plus $5.00 per day up to a $55.00 maximum, on top of any fines owed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a dog being "at large" in Vanderburgh County?
What is the fine for a dog running at large in Vanderburgh County?
Who picks up a loose dog in Vanderburgh County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Vanderburgh County
Compare Vanderburgh County to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview
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