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Howard County, IN Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Definition: Sec. 90.01 AT LARGE
Prohibition: Sec. 90.03(B)
Exception: licensed hunting dogs during hunting season
Impoundment authority: Sec. 90.04, Sec. 90.05(A)
Max fine: $2,500 (Sec. 90.03(G))

Summary

Unincorporated Howard County requires dogs to be leashed or under an owner's complete control at all times off the owner's property. Section 90.01 defines AT LARGE as unrestrained by a leash or not under immediate control, and Section 90.03(B) makes it unlawful for an owner to let an animal run at large.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Howard County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

AT LARGE. Elsewhere than on the owner’s premises, and: (1) Not restrained by a leash; or (2) Not under the immediate and complete control of a person capable of controlling such animal. ... (B) It shall be unlawful for any owner to allow, suffer, or permit an animal to be at large within the unincorporated area of the county, except that it shall be permissible during hunting season prescribed by state law for hunting dogs to be allowed to hunt with their owners on private property when permission has been obtained from the owner thereof and to hunt on state lands where allowed.

View official code

Full Breakdown

01 covers an animal anywhere other than the owner's own premises that is either not restrained by a leash or not under the immediate and complete control of a person capable of controlling it, meaning voice control alone can satisfy the rule only if the handler genuinely commands the dog at all times. 03(B) turns that definition into a prohibition: it is unlawful for an owner to allow, suffer, or permit an animal to be at large within the unincorporated area. The section carves out one exception, for hunting dogs during the hunting season prescribed by state law, allowed to hunt with their owners on private property with the landowner's permission or on state land where hunting is allowed; outside that narrow hunting exception, the leash-or-control requirement applies everywhere off the owner's own property. 03(H) lets the Department of Animal Services hold it rather than return it if returning the dog risks further violations. C. 36-1-6-3.

Violations & Fines

Allowing a dog to run at large off the owner's property, unleashed and not under immediate control, violates Section 90.03(B) and can bring a fine up to $2,500 under Section 90.03(G). The Ordinance Violations Bureau schedule at Section 10.98(C)(3)-(4) sets a $10 citation for a first dog-ordinance offense and $10 plus $5 for each later offense, and the dog can be impounded under Section 90.05(A).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my dog be off-leash if it obeys voice commands?

Only if you maintain immediate and complete control at all times. Section 90.01 defines AT LARGE to include a dog not under the immediate and complete control of a person capable of controlling it, so an unleashed dog that wanders off-command is still at large and violates Section 90.03(B).

Is there an exception for hunting dogs?

Yes. Section 90.03(B) allows hunting dogs to run off-leash with their owners during the hunting season set by state law, on private property with the landowner's permission, or on state land where hunting is permitted. Outside hunting season or those locations, the leash rule applies.

What happens if my dog is picked up while at large?

An authorized agent can capture and impound the dog under Sections 90.04 and 90.05(A). You will be notified under Section 90.06 if the dog wears identification, but you must redeem it within five days under Section 90.07 and pay any fees before it can be destroyed or transferred.

Sources & Official References

[1]Howard County, Indiana Code of Ordinances (American Legal Publishing)

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All Howard County rules

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