IN HB1257

Increases the penalty for animal cruelty involving neglect or abandonment to a Level 6 felony if the neglect or abandonment results in serious bodily injury or death to the animal (previously only a Class A misdemeanor).

Maintains the Level 6 felony penalty if the person has a prior unrelated conviction under animal cruelty statutes.

Requires courts to order restitution to any person who suffered property damage, paid veterinary expenses, or incurred remediation and cleanup costs as a result of animal cruelty offenses under IC 35-46-3-7 or IC 35-46-3-12.

Allows a defense to abandonment charges if the person reasonably believed the animal was capable of surviving on its own.

Effective date: July 1, 2014.