Lost or stray domestic animals.
Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 531-208
in effectSec. 531-208. - Lost or stray domestic animals.
(a) Persons finding a stray animal are to notify the animal care services agency, or its designee, within forty-eight (48) hours. At the discretion of the agency, the animal may be kept by the finder and a found report left with the agency, or its designee, to enable the finder an opportunity to return the animal to its rightful owner. The finder is expected to make a reasonable effort to find the animals owner or keeper prior to surrendering them to the shelter.
(b) Upon demand, by the animal care services agency, any found animal will be taken to an appropriate facility and scanned for an identifying microchip.
(c) Persons finding an animal are obligated to comply with all the rules and regulations of this chapter pertaining to humane care and treatment of animals, while said animal is in their custody awaiting return to its actual owner.
(d) With the exception of the Humane Society of Indianapolis or other humane and/or breed rescue organizations recognized by the animal care services agency, the finder will be considered the found animal's owner for purposes of this chapter fourteen (14) continuous days after the found report was filed with the animal care services agency or its designee.
(G.O. 169, 1999, § 3; G.O. 41, 2016, § 2; G.O. 2, 2017, § 1; G.O. 37, 2024, § 1)
Source: Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County, Revised Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/in/indianapolis_-_marion_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIIPUHEWE_CH531AN_ARTIIDOCA_S531-208LOSTDOANFetched: 10/27/2026