Animal Care and Welfare
Indiana's Animal Neglect and Abuse Laws
- Livestock, Horse and Poultry
In cases involving livestock (including horses) and poultry, BOAH has jurisdiction to enforce the agency's standards of care (345 IAC 14). In addition, BOAH works in cooperation with local law enforcement or animal control to investigate violations of criminal code.
Reports of improper disposal of livestock and poultry carcasses will be reviewed by BOAH for appropriate action.
Suspected cases/complaints may be submitted to BOAH online via the online button below, by phone at (877) 747-3038, or via e-mail at animalhealth@boah.in.gov. Complaints must include contact information for the submitter to allow appropriate follow-up in case further information is needed.
Individuals submitting complaints will not be notified of the outcome of the investigation.
Animal Welfare/Dead Animal Complaint Form
For more information about Indiana's Livestock and Poultry Care Law click here.
- Dog, Cats and Other Small Animals
Enforcement of Indiana's neglect and abuse law for small (companion) animals falls to the jurisdiction of local animal control or law enforcement agencies. BOAH does not have the leading authority in these situations, except for licensed commercial dog breeding operations. Upon their request, BOAH will assist local animal control or law enforcement in assessing animals and their living conditions. BOAH will also evaluate the condition of the animals when requested by the court if charges are filed under the animal cruelty law (IC 35-46-3).
To report suspected abuse and/or neglect, contact your local animal control agency. If your county or city does not have an animal control agency, contact local law enforcement through the sheriff’s department for assistance. Often, animal control is a part of the sheriff's department.
- Pet Shops, Rescues and Shelters
Currently, beyond regular business registration with the Secretary of State’s office, pet shops, animal shelters, rescues, boarding kennels and similar businesses are not licensed/regulated specifically by the state of Indiana. Some local communities/counties may have regulations that apply. Contact your local government (city and/or county) for guidance. Many communities have zoning requirements or sanitation standards through the zoning department or the local health department.
- Commercial Dog Breeders and Brokers
Since 2010, the Board of Animal Health has registered commercial dog breeders and brokers to ensure animal care and welfare standards are met. A commercial dog breeder is defined as someone who maintains more than 20 unaltered female dogs 12 months of age or older. Information about Indiana's commercial dog breeder and broker program is online: www.in.gov/boah/commercial-dog-breeder-and-broker
- Livestock Markets
In January 1998, the Board of Animal Health revised the rules regulating livestock dealers and markets. A new section in the rule addresses the care and handling of livestock at markets in Indiana. Every person licensed to operate a market facility (including livestock auction markets, stockyards and concentration points) in Indiana must maintain a minimum standard of care for animals in that facility. Livestock housed at a market for more than 24 hours must have access to feed and water.
Use of implements, such as electric prods, canes, whips, paddles or canvas straps, to drive animals must be limited only to the extent reasonably necessary to handle or drive livestock.
More information about livestock markets is online at: https://www.in.gov/boah/licenses-and-permits/livestock-market-licenses/
- Non-Ambulatory Animals
Occasionally, because of illness or injury, individual animals arrive at a market conscious, but unable to walk or stand without assistance.
State law prohibits markets from accepting delivery of these nonambulatory (or "downed") livestock. However, market facilities in Indiana may euthanize the animal.
Markets must have written policies, procedures and equipment in place to handle animals that become nonambulatory after delivery to the facility.
By law, livestock that becomes nonambulatory after arriving at a market facility must be disposed of within 24 hours of discovery or receiving of notice of the animal's condition. Click here for dead animal disposal requirements.
More information about handling techniques for nonambulatory animals and a livestock handling guide can be obtained from the National Institute for Animal Agriculture at animalagriculture.org.
BOAH recognizes the American Veterinary Medical Association's guidelines for euthanasia of animals. The guidelines are available in PDF format for viewing.