One proposed change is increasing the sentence that comes with a conviction for harming a police dog.

Moers traces her dissatisfaction with Indiana's animal crimes statutes back to the case of Martin Haugland. In May, Haugland was charged with 10 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to an animal.

EVANSVILLE — It doesn't matter how horrific an animal abandonment or neglect offense is, Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers says — Indiana prosecutors can't file felony charges unless the alleged offender has a previous conviction for the same thing.

That would change if legislation Moers has been working on with State Rep. Wendy McNamara is passed.

It's just one of the changes that would be made if the legislation, which is still being finalized, becomes law. Another is increasing the sente

See Full Page