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.
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.
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.
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Lake County, IN
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Lake County, IN
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See how Lake County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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