§ 31-33-8-7.5 — Reporting of observed or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect

Indiana § 31-33-8-7.5

• Jurisdiction: Indiana
• Art. 33: JUVENILE LAW: REPORTING AND
• Ch. 8: Investigation of Reports of Suspected Child Abuse or

Text

5. (a) If, during the assessment, a caseworker
observes, or has reason to believe, that an animal is a victim of animal
cruelty, abandonment, or neglect, the caseworker may make a report of
the observed or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect to:
(1) the local law enforcement agency; or
(2) the local animal control officer.
(b) The information provided in a report under subsection (a) must
include the following:
(1) A name and description of the animal and the animal's
condition.
(2) The name and contact number, if known, of the owner or
custodian of the animal.
(3) The address or location of the observed or suspected animal
cruelty, abandonment, or neglect.
(4) The nature and apparent extent of the observed or suspected
animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect.
(c) This section does not impose a duty or obligation on the
caseworker to investigate known or suspected animal cruelty,
abandonment, or neglect.
(d) A caseworker who makes a report of an animal that may be a
victim of animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect is immune from any
civil or criminal liability unless the caseworker made the report as a
result of gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct.
(e) The identity of any caseworker who makes a report under this
section is confidential.
(f) This section does not expand or limit other laws concerning
confidentiality requirements.

Legislative History

As added by P.L.106-2018, SEC.4.