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Indiana statute

Ind. Code § 35-46-3-11.3 — Cruelty to a search and rescue dog

Current through 2026 Regular Session

Part of Chapter 3: Offenses Relating to Animals, Indiana Code.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of Ind. Code § 35-46-3-11.3

Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Indiana.

Ind. Code § 35-46-3-11.3Primary source, current through the 2026 Regular Session
Sec. 11.3. (a) As used in this section, "search and rescue dog" means a dog that receives special training to locate or attempt to locate by air scent or ground or water tracking a person who is an offender or is lost, trapped, injured, or incapacitated. (b) A person who knowingly or intentionally: (1) interferes with the actions of a search and rescue dog while the dog is performing or is attempting to perform a search and rescue task; or (2) strikes, torments, injures, or otherwise mistreats a search and rescue dog; commits a Class A misdemeanor. (c) An offense under subsection (b)(2) 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 search and rescue dog. (d) It is a defense that the accused person: (1) engaged in a reasonable act of training, handling, or disciplining the search and rescue dog; or (2) reasonably believed the conduct was necessary to prevent injury to the accused person or another person. (e) In addition to any sentence or fine imposed for a conviction of an offense under this section, the court may order the person to make restitution to the person who owns the search and rescue dog for reimbursement of: (1) veterinary bills; and (2) replacement costs of the dog if the dog is disabled or killed.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is cruelty to a search and rescue dog a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?

It depends on the circumstances: cruelty to a search and rescue dog ranges from a Class A Misdemeanor to a Level 6 Felony in Indiana under Ind. Code § 35-46-3-11.3.

Interference with or mistreatment of a search and rescue dog: Class A Misdemeanor (Ind. Code § 35-46-3-11.3(b)) · Cruelty to a search and rescue dog resulting in serious harm or death: Level 6 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-46-3-11.3(c))

Which Indiana statute covers cruelty to a search and rescue dog?

Cruelty to a search and rescue dog is governed by Ind. Code § 35-46-3-11.3 (Cruelty to a search and rescue dog).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.