Indy Dangerous Animal Ordinance Passes

INDIANAPOLIS -- The City-County Council on Monday unanimously passed an ordinance that defines dangerous animals and prescribes penalties for the owners of those that attack people.

The ordinance was introduced in the summer as a response to a string of dog attacks, including the mauling of 2-year-old Amaya Hess. However, the proposal was amended to update the city's entire animal code.

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Indy Dangerous Animal Ordinance Passes

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Council members passed the ordinance with a 26-0 vote.

"The intent of the proposal is to protect citizens from dangerous animals, and send a message to irresponsible pet owners that they are and will be held accountable for the actions of their pets," council President Monroe Gray said. "We didn't single out a specific breed of dog because any breed can attack people and other animals, particularly if they are mistreated or taught to fight by their owner."

People violating the ordinance face fines ranging from $500 to $1,000.

The ordinance defines a dangerous animal as one that fits one of the following descriptions:

Constitutes a danger to human life or property.

Has caused serious injury to a person without having been provoked by the person.

Has chased or approached a person in a menacing fashion.

Because of its training or behavior, is capable of inflicting physical harm or death to humans.

The ordinance also limits to two the number of dangerous animals that a person can own.

Pit bull advocates who attended Monday's council meeting said they were pleased that the final version of the ordinance didn't target specific breeds of dogs.

"It's just proof that our lawmakers are doing what we're paying them to do, and they're passing laws that are effective and are holding the accountable people accountable," pit bull advocate Nina Gaither said.

Leslie Fatum, of the city's animal care and control division, said the ordinance will allow the city to be tough on irresponsible pet owners.

"It was a very tough process because a lot of emotion was involved, understandably," Fatum said.