Animal Ordinances in South Bend, IN (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for South Bend, Indiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
South Bend allows up to 6 hens per single-family home with a Chicken Coop Permit; roosters are banned. Coops give 1 sq ft per bird, sit 15 feet from lot lines and 20 feet from neighboring homes. Livestock needs 5 acres.
South Bend Backyard Chickens & Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Municipal Code ch. 5, Sec. 5-37 (Urban chicken regulations)
Both the coop and pen location shall be situated behind the residential structure and be a minimum of fifteen feet (15') from any property line and twenty feet (20') from any residential dwelling.
Dog Leash Laws
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.
South Bend Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Municipal Code ch. 5, Sec. 5-103 (Running at large prohibited)
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.
Breed Restrictions
South Bend repealed its breed-specific dangerous-dog rules in 2019 and no longer targets pit bulls or any breed. Dangerous, potentially dangerous, and vicious animals are judged by behavior under Sec. 5-109 and 5-110.
South Bend Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Municipal Code ch. 5, Sec. 5-109 (Potentially dangerous animal and dangerous animal prohibited)
It shall be unlawful for a person to own or harbor a potentially dangerous animal or a dangerous animal as defined in Sec. 5-2 unless in compliance with this Chapter and other applicable law.
Beekeeping
South Bend allows honeybees, limited to 2 active hives per quarter-acre. Hives keep a 4-foot setback from lot lines, never closer than 10 feet to a sidewalk or property line, with a 6-foot flyway barrier where unfenced.
South Bend Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Municipal Code ch. 5, art. 6, Sec. 5-53 (Honey bee keeping public safety regulations)
In no event shall a hive be located closer than ten (10) feet from a public sidewalk or property line.
Exotic Pets
South Bend bars keeping any wild or exotic animal without the required state and federal permits, and prohibits dangerous wild or exotic animals entirely for private owners under Sec. 5-105. Zoos and licensed institutions are exempt.
South Bend Exotic & Dangerous Animal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Municipal Code ch. 5, Sec. 5-105 (Exotic animals and native wildlife prohibitions)
No wild or exotic animal shall be kept within the city without the necessary state and/or federal permits.
Wildlife Feeding
South Bend prohibits feeding a free-roaming cat for more than 3 days unless enrolled in the managed community-cat program (Sec. 5-107), and bars leg-hold traps and poisoned bait. No ordinance specifically bans feeding deer.
South Bend Wildlife & Stray Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Municipal Code ch. 5, Sec. 5-107 (Unlawful care of a free-roaming cat)
It shall be unlawful for a person to provide food, water or shelter to a free-roaming cat for a period of more than three (3) days unless in compliance with Secs. 5-27, 5-28 and 5-29 of this Chapter.
Looking for St. Joseph County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement South Bend city rules.
Animal Ordinances in St. Joseph County →