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

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

Key Facts

Code
Lake County Code Ch. 90
At-large section
Sec. 90.20
Applies
Unincorporated county only
First-offense fine
$50 or less
Tether curfew
10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Summary

In unincorporated Lake County, dogs may not run at large. An owner or keeper must not cause, suffer, or allow an animal to be at large, meaning unconfined and not under a competent person's control. Dogs in open truck beds must be leashed. Incorporated cities set their own leash rules.

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

An owner or keeper of an animal shall not cause, suffer, or allow the animal to be at large.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-14: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through 6-9-2026; and State legislation current through Indiana Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).

Full Breakdown

Lake County Code Chapter 90 (Animal Control) governs unincorporated areas. Section 90.20 makes running at large unlawful. "AT LARGE" is defined as not confined without means of escape in a cage, corral, house, pen, vehicle, yard, or other secure enclosure, unless otherwise under the control of a competent person. Section 90.02(B)(18) requires dogs transported in open trailers or truck beds to be secured by a leash or other means. Chapter 90 also limits tethering: no continuous tether over one hour, none between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., and none along a public right-of-way. Cities such as Gary, Hammond, and Merrillville enforce their own municipal leash ordinances.

Violations & Fines

First at-large violation in any 12-month period: written admission and/or a fine of $50 or less; second and later violations at least $100. Fines rise to $250-$500 if the loose animal attacks or menaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a county leash length requirement for ordinary dogs?
The county bans running at large rather than mandating a specific leash length for all dogs, but pit bulls must use a four-foot leash and harness. Your city may impose stricter leash rules.
Does this apply inside Gary or Hammond?
No. Chapter 90 governs unincorporated Lake County. Incorporated cities and towns enforce their own animal-control and leash ordinances.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lake County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsMicrochippingLight RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSome Restrictions

All Lake County rules

Compare Lake County to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview

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