INDIANAPOLIS — If you abuse an animal in Indiana, be ready to pay the price.

A bill that cracks down on people who mistreat animals has passed the House and is headed to the Governor’s desk.

House Bill 1615, authored by Rep. Ryan Hatfield (D-Evansville), calls for harsher punishment against animal abusers.

Under current Indiana law, the base penalty for abandoning or abusing an animal is a Class A misdemeanor. Hatfield’s bill raises that penalty to a Level 5 felony, which could be increased if the animal abuser mutilates or kills an animal.

“Currently the worst charge someone can receive for animal cruelty is a Level 6 Felony,” Hatfield said. “This bill raises that charge to a Level 5 Felony and replaces the fixed minimum with a Level 6 Felony rather than a Class A Misdemeanor.”

Gov. Eric Holcomb is expected to sign the bill, which would become law July 1.

 

 

dog photo: michellelansdale on morguefile