2021 Indiana Code
Title 15. Agriculture and Animals
Article 20. Animal Control
Chapter 1. Liability for Dog Bites
15-20-1-5. Wolf Hybrid and Coydog Liability; Criminal Offenses

Sec. 5. (a) The following definitions apply throughout this section:

(1) "Coydog" means:

(A) an animal that is the offspring of a coyote and another animal; or

(B) an animal that is the offspring of:

(i) an animal that is the offspring of a coyote and another animal; and

(ii) another animal.

(2) "Secure enclosure" means an outdoor pen that is:

(A) roofed or that has sides at least six (6) feet tall; and

(B) constructed in such a manner that the type of animal contained within the pen cannot reasonably be expected to escape.

(3) "Wolf hybrid" means:

(A) an animal that is the offspring of a wolf and another animal; or

(B) an animal that is the offspring of:

(i) an animal that is the offspring of a wolf and another animal; and

(ii) another animal.

(b) An owner of a wolf hybrid or coydog shall:

(1) keep the animal in a building or secure enclosure; or

(2) keep the animal:

(A) under the reasonable control of an individual; and

(B) on a leash not more than eight (8) feet in length.

Subject to subsections (c) and (d), an owner who does not comply with this subsection commits a Class B infraction. An owner who merely tethers or chains a coydog or wolf hybrid does not comply with this subsection.

(c) Subject to subsection (d), an owner of a wolf hybrid or coydog commits a Class B misdemeanor if the owner recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally fails to comply with subsection (b) and:

(1) the wolf hybrid or coydog enters property other than the property of the owner; and

(2) the wolf hybrid or coydog causes damage to livestock or the personal property of another individual.

(d) The offense under subsection (c) is:

(1) a Class A misdemeanor if the owner has one (1) prior unrelated conviction under this section;

(2) a Level 6 felony if:

(A) the owner has more than one (1) prior unrelated conviction for a violation under this section; or

(B) the owner knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly fails to comply with subsection (b) and the failure to comply results in serious bodily injury to a person; and

(3) a Level 5 felony if the owner knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly fails to comply with subsection (b) and the failure to comply results in the death of a person.

(e) Notwithstanding IC 36-1-3-8(a), a unit (as defined in IC 36-1-2-23) may adopt an ordinance:

(1) prohibiting a person from possessing a wolf hybrid or coydog; or

(2) imposing:

(A) a penalty of more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) up to the limits prescribed in IC 36-1-3-8(a)(10)(B) for a violation of subsection (b); or

(B) conditions on the possession of a wolf hybrid or coydog that are more stringent than the provisions of subsection (b).

[Pre-2008 Recodification Citation: 5-5-12-3.5.]

As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.158-2013, SEC.227.