Indiana Code 15-20-1-5. Wolf hybrid and coydog liability; criminal offenses
(1) “Coydog” means:
Attorney's Note
Under the Indiana Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Level 5 felony | between 1 and 6 years | up to $10,000 |
| Level 6 felony | between 6 mos. and 2 1/2 years | up to $10,000 |
| Class A misdemeanor | up to 1 year | up to $5,000 |
| Class B misdemeanor | up to 180 days | up to $1,000 |
Terms Used In Indiana Code 15-20-1-5
- Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
- owner: means the owner of a dog. See Indiana Code 15-20-1-2
- Property: includes personal and real property. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
(B) an animal that is the offspring of:
(i) an animal that is the offspring of a coyote and another animal; and
(ii) another animal.
(2) “Secure enclosure” means an outdoor pen that is:
(A) roofed or that has sides at least six (6) feet tall; and
(B) constructed in such a manner that the type of animal contained within the pen cannot reasonably be expected to escape.
(3) “Wolf hybrid” means:
(A) an animal that is the offspring of a wolf and another animal; or
(B) an animal that is the offspring of:
(i) an animal that is the offspring of a wolf and another animal; and
(ii) another animal.
(b) An owner of a wolf hybrid or coydog shall:
(1) keep the animal in a building or secure enclosure; or
(2) keep the animal:
(A) under the reasonable control of an individual; and
(B) on a leash not more than eight (8) feet in length.
Subject to subsections (c) and (d), an owner who does not comply with this subsection commits a Class B infraction. An owner who merely tethers or chains a coydog or wolf hybrid does not comply with this subsection.
(c) Subject to subsection (d), an owner of a wolf hybrid or coydog commits a Class B misdemeanor if the owner recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally fails to comply with subsection (b) and:
(1) the wolf hybrid or coydog enters property other than the property of the owner; and
(2) the wolf hybrid or coydog causes damage to livestock or the personal property of another individual.
(d) The offense under subsection (c) is:
(1) a Class A misdemeanor if the owner has one (1) prior unrelated conviction under this section;
(2) a Level 6 felony if:
(A) the owner has more than one (1) prior unrelated conviction for a violation under this section; or
(B) the owner knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly fails to comply with subsection (b) and the failure to comply results in serious bodily injury to a person; and
(3) a Level 5 felony if the owner knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly fails to comply with subsection (b) and the failure to comply results in the death of a person.
(e) Notwithstanding IC 36-1-3-8(a), a unit (as defined in IC 36-1-2-23) may adopt an ordinance:
(1) prohibiting a person from possessing a wolf hybrid or coydog; or
(2) imposing:
(A) a penalty of more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) up to the limits prescribed in IC 36-1-3-8(a)(10)(B) for a violation of subsection (b); or
(B) conditions on the possession of a wolf hybrid or coydog that are more stringent than the provisions of subsection (b).
[Pre-2008 Recodification Citation: 5-5-12-3.5.]
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.158-2013, SEC.227.