New Indiana Law Increases Penalties For Animal Abuse

A new Indiana law will soon strengthen protections for animals across the state, increasing penalties for some of the most serious cases of animal cruelty.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed House Bill 1165 into law last week. The legislation includes several updates to Indiana’s animal cruelty laws and was created with input from Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers.

The bill was authored by Wendy McNamara and was inspired in part by several local animal abuse cases, according to the Prosecutor's Office.

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Animal Cruelty Charges Can Now Be Felonies

Under previous Indiana law, some acts of animal cruelty committed by first-time offenders could only be charged as a misdemeanor, regardless of how severe the abuse might have been.

When the new law takes effect on July 1, 2026, certain acts of cruelty toward animals can now be charged as a Level 6 felony, even if the suspect has no prior offenses.

That change gives prosecutors more flexibility when dealing with particularly violent or disturbing cases involving pets or other domestic animals.

Stronger Protection For Police Dogs

House Bill 1165 also increases the penalty for killing a law enforcement animal. Under the new law, that crime will now be considered a Level 5 felony, a more serious charge than before.

Police dogs and other service animals are often used in dangerous situations alongside officers, and lawmakers say the stronger penalty reflects the important role they play in public safety.

New Rules For Animals In Hot Cars

Another part of the new law allows Hoosiers to break into a locked vehicle to rescue a domestic animal in danger without liability, provided they follow specific steps. Those steps include calling 911 before entering the vehicle and remaining with the animal until first responders arrive.

Read More: Indiana Law Changes Pet Rescue From Locked Cars

The law is set to take effect statewide on July 1, 2026, bringing several updates aimed at strengthening protections for animals and the people who care for them.