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Send an email to ask@indyhumane.org to submit your question about animal behavior or welfare to our Experts. We’ll post answers to some of the best questions here. For urgent or personal questions, check out our Contact page, and for answers to common questions about IndyHumane, check out our FAQ.

Does my dog have to be on a leash in public?

Does a dog have to be on a leash in public in Indianapolis? Are there laws about dogs being off-leash in parks or neighborhoods?

These are great questions surrounded by some confusion. In Indianapolis, IN, Marion County municipal code's "Animals" section offers guidance.

Sec. 531-102 states that animals at large are prohibited, with various penalties depending on the circumstances. What does "at large" mean? Sec. 531-101 explains that "At large means not confined without means of escape of any portion of the animal's body in a pen, corral, yard, cage, house, vehicle or other secure enclosure, unless on a leash and under the control of a competent human being."

What does "under control" mean? The definition of an animal being "monitored" in Sec. 531-101 goes on to offer a bit more help: "Monitored means that the animal is controlled by means of a leash or other device held by a competent person, subject to the provisions of sections 531-401 and 531-728, which animal is sufficiently near the owner or handler as to be under his or her direct control and is obedient to that person's command."

For your dog's safety, the Humane Society of Indianapolis strongly recommends that you keep your dog leashed on walks and while spending time in parks and other public places. Few dogs come to their owners every time when called, and sometimes the lure of a running squirrel or another dog is more attractive than your most heartfelt "Come back, Lassie!" It's also important to note that no matter how friendly your dog is off-leash, other leashed dogs might not take kindly to an impromptu greeting from a free-roaming stranger - and the last thing your dog wants during a walk in the park is a bite on the cheek!

IndyHumane can help ensure your dog's safety on and off leash.

• The Canine Training School can help your dog learn recall commands so when she's off leash, she'll be more likely to respond to your request. Our team can even work with you in the places where your dog is most likely to run from you once they get a whiff of freedom!
• The IndyHumane Dog Park is a great place to let Rover romp off-leash with other well-socialized dogs in a secure setting.
• Need a new leash? Stop by IndyHumane's David Horth Adoption Lobby to buy one - and maybe a few treats for your pup, too! All purchases directly support your locally based, independent Humane Society of Indianapolis.

RELATED CATEGORIES: Animal Welfare, Dogs, Indianapolis, Law, Safety

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