Gary, Indiana Dog Bite Lawyer – Vicious Animal Attack

Dog Bite Laws in the City of Gary, Indiana

An unprovoked bite by a dog or cat does not necessarily mean that the dog or cat is dangerous or vicious. In the United States, all dogs and house cats, regardless of breed or size, are presumed to be harmless domestic animals. This presumption can be overcome with proof of a dangerous propensity as demonstrated by specific conduct of that particular animal.  A dangerous propensity is the tendency of an animal to act to endanger the safety of people or other animals. Depending on the facts of a dog or cat bite case, that dog’s or cat’s biting of a person can be used as evidence of that animal’s viciousness.

The City of Gary requires all dogs within their community must have a dog license. These dog licenses are good for one year starting on January 1 through December 31 of each year.  Dog owners must get a new license for each dog they own every year.

The City of Gary defines an owner of a dog as any person, partnership, or corporation owning, keeping, or harboring one or more animals. An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for three consecutive days or more.

The City of Gary defines a dog as a nuisance when it does any of the following: (1) Molests passersby or passing vehicles; (2) Attacks other animals; (3) Trespasses on school grounds; (4) Is repeatedly at large; (5) Damages public or private property; (6) Barks, whines, or howls in an excessive, continuous, or untimely fashion; and/or (7) Bites human beings or animals.

The City of Gary defines a restraint as means by which 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.

The City of Gary defines tethering as means by which a device attached to an animal’s collar or harness that swivels on an anchor and collar that prevents the tangling of the animal.

Under section 8-2, the City of Gary requires the restraint of animals as follows:

(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.

(b) Tethering of Animals. Animals restrained by tethering must wear a properly fitted leather on nylon collar or harness which does not employ a choker mechanism; however, the proper use of choker collars in the training of animals is permitted. The tethering device shall be attached to the animal’s collar or harness, shall be at least 10 feet in length and shall have a swivel device on the anchor and collar end to prevent tangling of the animal

(c) An animal that is tethered must have unrestricted access to adequate shelter and fresh, potable and unfrozen water at all times.

(d) Prohibited tethering. No person shall:

(1) Tether an animal by a rope, chain, cord or other tying device directly attached to the animal’s neck;

(2) Tether an animal between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.;

(3) Tether an animal in or about an abandoned or otherwise unoccupied structure or property for any purpose;

(4) Tether an animal under six (6) months of age;

(5) Tether an animal without a collar appropriate for the animal’s size and weight;

(6) Tether more than three (3) animals simultaneously;

(7) Tether more than one (1) animal in a manner that permits physical contact between the tethered animals;

(8) Tether an animal when the temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, except the dog may be tethered if his dog shelter is heated OR there is sufficient hay and insulation to keep the dog warm in the dog house, and then only for a reasonably short period of time;

(9) Tether an animal with a chain or any other tying device that is not appropriate for its size and weight; or

(10) Tether an animal in manner in which the animal can reach a public sidewalk or impede entrance to a residence or business.

(e) The animal control officer or other law enforcement officer shall have the power to seize or destroy animals he reasonably believes to be vicious and running at large; however, any destruction of an animal shall be done in a reasonable manner taking into

account the location and the harm or damage to personal or real property, or to the public at large.

How a City of Gary Dog Bite Attorney Can Help with Your Dog Bite Injury Claim

At Gladish Law Group, we have experience handling City of Gary dog bite cases, bringing a wealth of knowledge to each claim. Our legal team is well-versed in the specific nuances of City of Gary, Indiana’s dog bite laws, ensuring that you receive skillful guidance tailored to your case.

We recognize that a dog bite incident is not just a legal matter but a personal and often traumatic experience. Our team at Gladish Law Group takes a compassionate and personalized approach to each case, providing the support and understanding you need during this challenging time.

You can trust Gladish Law Group to stand by your side, advocating for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.

Indiana Dog Bite Law

Indiana has specific laws that govern dog bite cases. The state covers them under strict liability statutes.

The key points include:

• Strict Liability: Indiana follows a strict liability approach, meaning that a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s history of aggression or the owner’s knowledge of such behavior.
• Leash Laws: In some municipalities, there may be local leash laws that require owners to keep their dogs on a leash in public spaces. Violating these laws could strengthen a case against the dog owner.
• One-Bite Rule: While Indiana has strict liability, it also recognizes the one-bite rule. If the dog has shown aggressive behavior in the past and the owner knew about it, this could strengthen your case.
• Comparative Fault: Indiana follows a comparative fault system, which means that if the injured person is partially responsible for the incident, their compensation may decrease based on the percentage of fault assigned to them.

Consult an experienced dog bite lawyer in Lake County, Indiana, to navigate the specifics of your case and understand how these laws may apply to your situation. As a firm based in Lake County, Indiana, Gladish Law Group has a deep understanding of the local community and its unique dynamics. This local insight allows us to navigate the legal landscape more effectively and build strong cases that resonate with local judges and juries.

About Gary, Indiana

The City of Gary is located in Northwest Indiana and was incorporated in 1906 as a city.  The name for the City of Gary is directly related to US Steel Corporation, since it established its home for a new plant known as the “Gary Works”. Thereafter, the City of Gary was named after Elbert Gary, who was the founding chairman of the US Steel.  The City of Gary has a population of over 80,000 with a balanced mixture of heavy industrial, commercial and residential properties.  The City of Gary has a long history of both industrial production as well as political and labor turmoil.  The City of Gary was the first major city in the United States to elect a black mayor which happened in 1968.

The City of Gary is run by a mayor as well as a 9-member city council with Gary’s City Hall being located at 401 Broadway, Gary, Indiana. The City of Gary still has its own court known as the Gary City Court which is located in at 555 Polk Street, Gary, Indiana.  The Gary City Court hears a limited number of cases that included: certain misdemeanors, tickets/infractions and ordinance violations.