Gary, Indiana

1998

All animals must be confined indoors or inside of a securely locked pen as a means of confinement. Pitbulls specifically must be confined indoors or inside of a securely locked pen as a means of confinement unless muzzled with the owner present. Tethering is not an acceptable means of restraint.

Restraint means any animal securely fenced in or in a building on the property of the owner or an animal secured by leash when off owner’s property.

Sec. 8-3. – Restraint of animals.

(a) All animals shall be kept under restraint at all times. An owner shall exercise proper care and control of his animals to prevent them from becoming a public nuisance. Every female animal in heat shall be confined in a building or secure enclosure in such a manner that the female animal cannot come into contact with another animal, except through planned breeding. Every vicious animal, as determined by the animal control center, shall be confined by the owner within a building or secure enclosure and shall be securely muzzled or caged whenever off the premises of its owner.

Sec. 8-140. – Confinement.

(a) Because of the pit bull’s inbred propensity to attack other animals, and because of the danger posed to humans and animals alike by a pit bull and other potentially dangerous dogs when running loose or while running together in a pack situation, said dogs must at all times be securely confined indoors, or confined in a securely and totally enclosed or locked pen, with either a top or other sides six feet high.

(b) Any dog affected by this article, if not confined as required in subsection (a) of this section, shall be muzzled in such a manner as to prevent it from biting or injuring any person or animal, and kept on a leash with the owner or custodian in attendance.

(c) An exception to this section is hereby provided for any pit bull or others in attendance at, and participating in, any lawful dog show, contest, or exhibition sponsored by a dog club, association, society, or similar organization.

(d) An exception to this section is hereby provided for any pit bull or others when the dog is actually engaged in the sport of hunting in authorized areas and supervised by a competent person.