Indiana Code 35-46-3-11. Cruelty to a law enforcement animal
(1) strikes, torments, injures, or otherwise mistreats a law enforcement animal; or
Attorney's Note
Under the Indiana Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Level 6 felony | between 6 mos. and 2 1/2 years | up to $10,000 |
| Class A misdemeanor | up to 1 year | up to $5,000 |
Terms Used In Indiana Code 35-46-3-11
- Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
- law enforcement animal: means an animal that is owned or used by a law enforcement agency for the principal purposes of:
Indiana Code 35-46-3-4.5
- Restitution: The court-ordered payment of money by the defendant to the victim for damages caused by the criminal action.
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.