2023 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

Universal Citation:
IN Code § 15-20-1-5 (2023)
Learn more This media-neutral citation is based on the American Association of Law Libraries Universal Citation Guide and is not necessarily the official citation.

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.

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