The governor recently ceremonially signed into law a bill co-authored by State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) to combat animal cruelty and abuse.
Indiana has seen troubling stories in recent years of animal cruelty, neglect, pet theft and harm to law enforcement animals. House Enrolled Act 1165 responds directly to these concerns by modernizing and strengthening Indiana's animal cruelty laws.
"This gives law enforcement the tools they need to hold animal abusers accountable," Baird said. "Indiana will not turn a blind eye to animal cruelty, and this law reinforces our commitment to preventing it."
Under the new law, liability for damages is removed when a person rescues a pet from an unsafe, locked vehicle. Furthermore, it enhances the theft of a pet from a misdemeanor to a felony, creates harsher penalties for the killing of a law enforcement animal and adds stricter language to the crimes of torture, abandonment and neglect of an animal.
Volunteer registration for the October 23, 2026 Putnam County Day of Service is open online.
IDHS warns against disaster assistance fraud
USDA announces record payments of $13.8 billion for 2025 crop year revenue and price safety net programs
Nucor Corporation chooses additional expansion in Crawfordsville
Applications open for Indiana's Advanced Nuclear Ready Communities Program
USPS schedule for weekend into Columbus Day
Equipment investments keep working for Indiana habitat
