BEDFORD – While many pet owners assume a universal rule for restraining pets, Indiana actually maintains a patchwork of regulations rather than a single statewide leash law. Instead, the state delegates the authority to establish specific “at-large” restrictions to individual cities and counties.
In Southern Indiana, counties such as Lawrence, Monroe, and Jackson operate under their own municipal codes. For example, while the state does not mandate a leash in all public spaces, cities like Bloomington and Seymour have strict ordinances requiring dogs to be secured with a leash or confined to a property line when not in designated off-leash areas.
“At-large” is the common legal term used in these ordinances, generally defining any animal that is off its owner’s property and not under the physical control of a competent person via a leash or crate.
As part of a regional effort to improve public safety, the Bedford Common Council passed Ordinance 21-2025, which updates the city’s code regarding animal control and the definition of pets “at large.” Under the amended Chapter 91 of the Bedford City Code, residents must ensure their pets are properly restrained whenever they leave their personal property.
The updated ordinance clarifies that an animal is considered “at large” if it is off the premises of the owner and not under the physical control of the owner or a family member (who must be at least 18 years of age). Acceptable forms of control include:
- Physical Leads: A leash, cord, or chain.
- Conveyance: A travel crate, carrying case, or a secure vehicle such as an automobile.
In Bedford, it is unlawful for any owner or harborer to allow an animal to enter any street, alley, public ground, or private property belonging to another person.
The revised ordinance introduces new language to manage local feline populations. While dogs and most pets must be kept under restraint, Community Cats—free-roaming cats that have been sterilized and “ear-tipped”—are exempt from being classified as “at large.” The city now officially permits Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs as a non-lethal approach to population control.
The Penalties: Misdemeanors and Felonies
While local fines for leash violations often range from $50 to $2,500 depending on the municipality, the state of Indiana imposes significant criminal penalties if a lack of restraint results in injury.
Under Indiana Code 15-20-1-4, a dog owner can face the following state-level charges if their unrestrained dog leaves their property and bites someone without provocation:
- Class C Misdemeanor: The standard charge for a first-time failure to restrain that results in a bite.
- Class B or A Misdemeanor: Applied if the owner has prior unrelated convictions or if the attack results in “serious bodily injury.”
- Level 6 Felony: If the owner recklessly violates the law and the attack results in the death of a person.
Civil Liability and the “One-Bite” Rule
Beyond criminal court, dog owners face substantial civil liability. Indiana generally follows a “modified one-bite rule.” This means that while an owner might not be strictly liable for a dog’s first aggressive act, they are considered negligent if they fail to take “reasonable steps” to restrain the animal—such as following local leash laws.
However, Indiana law grants strict liability protection to certain individuals. If a dog bites a postal worker, law enforcement officer, or other government employee acting in their official duties, the owner is held liable for all damages, even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
Local animal control officers remind residents that even well-behaved pets must be secured to prevent unpredictable incidents.
- Check Local Codes: Always verify the specific leash-length requirements in your township; many southern Indiana cities mandate a leash no longer than six feet.
- Reporting Incidents: State law requires all animal bites to be reported to the local health department within 24 to 72 hours.
- Insurance: Homeowners and renters should verify that their insurance policies cover dog-related incidents, as civil settlements for bites can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Bedford Street Department’s Animal Control division is responsible for enforcing these ordinances. Residents who encounter unrestrained animals or wish to report a violation can contact Animal Control at 812-279-9222 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. In cases of an emergency or an active attack, residents should always dial 911.
