South Bend, IN Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Off property
- Must be under control
- Under control
- Leash, voice, or enclosure
- At large
- Owner liable regardless of care
- Code
- Sec. 5-103
- Enforcement
- Animal Resource Center
Summary
South Bend requires every animal to be kept under control off the owner's property, meaning leashed, caged, or under voice control (Sec. 5-103). Owners are liable for an at-large animal even if it escaped by accident.
It shall always be the duty of the owner/guardian of any animal(s) or anyone having an animal in his possession to keep the animal under control while the animal is off the real property limits of the owner/guardian, possessor or custodian.
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code Sec. 5-103 makes it the owner's duty to keep any animal under control whenever it is off their property. An animal is under control when confined in a vehicle, secured by a leash held by a competent person, under voice control, or properly confined in an enclosure with the property owner's permission. Dogs must be restrained so they cannot chase vehicles or attack people or other animals. An owner whose animal is proven at large violates the ordinance regardless of the precautions taken and regardless of knowledge. Enforcement is by the South Bend Animal Resource Center.
Violations & Fines
An at-large animal is impounded by the Division of Animal Welfare, and the owner pays boarding fees to reclaim it and receives a citation. Liability applies even when the escape was accidental.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog have to be on a leash in South Bend?
Am I liable if my dog gets loose by accident?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in South Bend
Compare South Bend to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview
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