City Ordinances

Continuously chaining dogs is no longer acceptable in our community.

The bar has been raised for how we treat our dogs in Indianapolis!

As of January 1, 2007, the following anti-tethering ordinance is in effect in Indianapolis:

It shall be unlawful for any animal to be tethered between the hours of 11:00 pm and 6:00 am or to tether any un-sterilized dog for any period of time unless it is monitored by a competent adult for the duration of such tethering, or to tether or confine an animal at a vacant structure or premises for any purpose or time when it is not monitored by a competent adult who is present at the property for the duration of such tethering or confinement.

FIDO was actively involved in lobbying our city officials to pass the new Indianapolis anti-tethering ordinance. We are currently working to inform the public of this new ordinance. Dog owners need to be made aware of the fact that the standard of care for their dogs is being raised.

This new ordinance has the potential to improve the lives of thousands of dogs who would otherwise live their entire lives chained to a dog house. Currently, you cannot drive down an alley in many neighborhoods of Indianapolis without seeing many, many chained dogs in just a single block. Many of these dogs barely have sufficient shelter to keep them warm and dry. Many of these dogs barely have enough food or water. Most lead frustrated and lonely lives.

Now the situation for these poor dogs can be changed for the better.

In addition to the new anti-tethering ordinance, Indianapolis maintains basic laws to ensure that animals are properly cared for and treated. For example, owners must ensure that their animals are:

  • Kept in a clean, sanitary and healthy manner.
  • Not confined, so as to be forced to stand, sit or lie in their own excrement.
  • Not tied up by a choke collar, too-small collar or any chain or rope tied directly to the animal's neck.
  • Not contained by a chain or tether that is less than 12 feet long, that does not have swivels on both ends or that is too heavy to allow the animal to move freely.
  • Provided with adequate food and drinking water.
  • Given shelter and ventilation, including protection from excessive heat and cold.
  • Given enough space to permit the animal to exercise and move about freely.
  • Protected against abuse, cruelty, neglect or any other mistreatment.

Owners must also provide the reasonably necessary medical care for their animals.

For more on Indy's basic care and treatment requirements, go to Municode.com, Article IV. Care and Treatment; Sec. 531-401 at http://www.municode.com/Resources/gateway.asp?pid=12016&sid=14.