How Is Cruelty To Animals Defined?

In addition to abandonment and neglect, anyone who tortures, beats, or mutilates an animal resulting in serious injury or death, or kills an animal without the authority of the owner, commits cruelty to an animal, a class A misdemeanor.

Other Indiana Pet Law FAQs

Q: What Is The Relevant Law In Indiana That Governs Pets And Animals?
A: Indiana State Statute Sections 155121 through 1557; and Sections 354774 354631 13 address most pet … More
Q: How Do I Know If My Part Of The City Has Rabies?
A: The state veterinarian has the duty to declare quarantine against rabies in any county, township, city or town whenever he finds that rabies exist in the area to the … More
Q: What Happens When An Area Is Quarantined?
A: Whenever quarantine has been declared, the owner or caretaker of an animal in the quarantine area shall confine the animal on the premises of the owner; or in a … More
Q: Can City Officials Force Me To Vaccinate My Dog?
A: Yes. When quarantine has been declared, the state veterinarian can order any animal to be vaccinated within a period stated in the order and you must pay for the cost … More
Q: How Do I Know If My Dog Has Been Vaccinated?
A: When a local veterinarian vaccinates a dog, he or she is obligated to give you an immunization certificate in order to prove that your dog is vaccinated.
Q: What Happens To Dogs That Are Loose During Quarantine?
A: Any dog found running at large during quarantine will be impounded and the owner will have to follow certain procedures in order to claim the dog. First, the owner … More
Q: Are My Dogs Subject To Quarantine If I Am Traveling To The Quarantine Area?
A: Yes. All nonlocal dogs, with the exception of exhibition dogs, that are traveling to the quarantine area are subject to the quarantine.
Q: Can The State Order My Dog To Be Confined Even If There Is No Quarantine Order?
A: Yes. It is up to the discretion of the local health veterinarian or official to either destroy or impound any dog that he or she believes to be affected by rabies. In … More
Q: Do I Need To Tell Anyone If I Believe That A Dog Has Rabies?
A: Yes. It is your duty to report within 48 hours to a local health or safety official any dog which you believe is affected by, or may have rabies. After your report, … More
Q: Are There Any Restrictions To Selling Puppies?
A: Yes. You cannot sell or receive any puppies that are younger than eight weeks of age unless the puppy is received with its mother.