Bill > SB0041

This bill enhances the criminal penalty for acts of animal cruelty from a Level 6 felony to a Level 5 felony. The bill applies to individuals who knowingly or intentionally abuse a vertebrate animal, torture or mutilate a vertebrate animal, or kill a domestic animal without the owner's consent. The bill provides certain defenses, such as if the accused person reasonably believed the conduct was necessary to prevent injury or protect property, or if the person engaged in a reasonable and recognized act of training, handling, or disciplining the animal. Additionally, the court is required to consider ordering psychological, behavioral, or other counseling as part of the sentence or dispositional decree for individuals convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for such offenses.

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https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2023/bills/senate/41/