Indiana § 35-46-3-7 - Abandonment or neglect of vertebrate animals; defense
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 35-46-3-7 — Abandonment or neglect of vertebrate animals; defense, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 35-46-3-7. Abandonment or neglect of vertebrate animals; defense
Sec. 7. (a) A person who:
(1) has a vertebrate animal in the person's custody; and
(2) recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally abandons or neglects the animal;
commits cruelty to an animal, a Class A misdemeanor.
(b) However, except for a conviction under section 1 of this chapter, an offense under subsection (a) is a Level 6 felony if the:
(1) person has a prior unrelated conviction under this chapter;
(2) person commits the offense in the presence of a minor; or
(3) abandonment or neglect results in:
(A) serious permanent disfigurement;
(B) unconsciousness;
(C) permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ; or
(D) death;
of the animal; or
(4) person has ten (10) or more vertebrate animals in the person's custody which results in the person:
(A) failing to provide adequate food, potable water, and adequate shelter to at least one (1) vertebrate animal;
(B) keeping at least one (1) vertebrate animal in an overcrowded environment; or
(C) disregarding the conditions under which at least one (1) vertebrate animal is living in and the harmful impact the conditions have on the health and well-being of the vertebrate animals.
(c) For purposes of this section, an animal that is feral is not in a person's custody.
As added by P.L.193-1987, SEC.10. Amended by P.L.171-2007, SEC.8; P.L.111-2009, SEC.12; P.L.158-2013, SEC.558; P.L.80-2026, SEC.9.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 35-46-3-7
What does Indiana Code § 35-46-3-7 cover?
Section 35-46-3-7 ("Abandonment or neglect of vertebrate animals; defense") 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 § 35-46-3-7?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 35-46-3-7" (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 § 35-46-3-7 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.