2021 Indiana Code
Title 35. Criminal Law and Procedure
Article 46. Miscellaneous Offenses
Chapter 3. Offenses Relating to Animals
35-46-3-11. Cruelty to a Law Enforcement Animal
Sec. 11. (a) A person who knowingly or intentionally:
(1) strikes, torments, injures, or otherwise mistreats a law enforcement animal; or
(2) interferes with the actions of a law enforcement animal while the animal is engaged in assisting a law enforcement officer in the performance of the officer's duties;
commits a Class A misdemeanor.
(b) An offense under subsection (a)(1) is a Level 6 felony if the act results in:
(1) serious permanent disfigurement;
(2) unconsciousness;
(3) permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ; or
(4) death;
of the law enforcement animal.
(c) It is a defense that the accused person:
(1) engaged in a reasonable act of training, handling, or discipline; and
(2) acted as an employee or agent of a law enforcement agency.
(d) In addition to any sentence or fine imposed for a conviction of an offense under this section, the court:
(1) may order the person convicted to make restitution to the person or law enforcement agency owning the animal for reimbursement of veterinary bills; and
(2) shall order the person convicted to make restitution to the person or law enforcement agency owning the animal for reimbursement of the cost of replacing the animal, which may include the cost of training the animal, if the animal is permanently disabled or killed.
As added by P.L.193-1987, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.213-1997, SEC.3; P.L.9-2003, SEC.2; P.L.161-2013, SEC.8; P.L.158-2013, SEC.563; P.L.168-2014, SEC.86.
