Indiana § 15-20-1-4 - Dog bite liability; criminal offense
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 15-20-1-4 — Dog bite liability; criminal offense, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-20-1-4. Dog bite liability; criminal offense
Sec. 4. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the owner of a dog commits a Class C misdemeanor if:
(1) the owner recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally fails to take reasonable steps to restrain the dog;
(2) the dog enters property other than the property of the dog's owner; and
(3) as the result of the owner's failure to restrain the dog, the dog bites or attacks another person without provocation, resulting in bodily injury to the other person.
(b) The offense under subsection (a) is:
(1) a Class B misdemeanor if the person has been convicted of one (1) previous unrelated violation of this section;
(2) a Class A misdemeanor if:
(A) the person has been convicted of more than one (1) previous unrelated violation of this section; or
(B) the violation results in serious bodily injury to a person;
(3) a Level 6 felony if the owner recklessly violates this section and the violation results in the death of a person; and
(4) a Level 5 felony if the owner intentionally or knowingly violates this section and the violation results in the death of a person.
(c) This subsection does not apply to a nonaggressive dog that goes beyond the owner's premises onto agricultural or forested land. An owner of a dog commits a Class D infraction if the owner of the dog allows the dog to stray beyond the owner's premises, unless the dog is under the reasonable control of an individual or the dog is engaged in lawful hunting and accompanied by the owner or a custodian of the dog. However, the offense is a Class C infraction if the owner has a prior unrelated judgment for a violation of this subsection.
[Pre-2008 Recodification Citation: 15-5-12-3.]
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.158-2013, SEC.226.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 15-20-1-4
What does Indiana Code § 15-20-1-4 cover?
Section 15-20-1-4 ("Dog bite liability; criminal offense") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 15-20-1-4?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 15-20-1-4" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 15-20-1-4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.