Animal cruelty includes a wide range of behaviors that are mistreatment of animals—from neglect (depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care) to torturing, maiming, mutilating, and killing animals. Animal cruelty laws vary from state to state, and are usually included in a state’s statutes.
In Indiana, animal cruelty laws are codified under Indiana Code Title 35. Criminal Law and Procedure, specifically in IC 35-46-3, which outlines various offenses against animals. These laws prohibit acts of neglect, such as failing to provide an animal with necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. Additionally, Indiana law explicitly forbids acts of cruelty and torture, including beating, mutilating, burning, or killing an animal. Penalties for animal cruelty in Indiana can range from Class A misdemeanors to Level 6 felonies, depending on the severity of the offense and whether the perpetrator has previous convictions for animal cruelty. Enhanced penalties may apply for offenses committed in the presence of a minor or for cruelty to a search and rescue or service animal. Indiana also has provisions for the seizure of mistreated animals and requires mandatory reporting of animal cruelty by veterinarians.