Prosecutor Diana Moers Pushes Stronger Animal Protection Laws

For Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers, the effort to strengthen Indiana’s animal protection laws is rooted in the realities of the courtroom and the cases that never leave her mind. Years of prosecuting abuse, neglect, and hoarding cases have revealed gaps in state law that can limit accountability, even in the most disturbing circumstances. This week, Moers is taking those concerns to Indianapolis.

Moers is scheduled to testify before lawmakers in support of House Bill 1165, a wide-ranging proposal addressing animal-related criminal statutes. The legislation was authored by Representative Wendy McNamara and co-authored by Representatives Beau Baird and Steve Bartels, following extensive collaboration with prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and animal control professionals.

In a recent social media post, Moers described the work behind the legislation as both collaborative and necessary, crediting McNamara and her team for engaging directly with those who handle animal abuse cases on the ground. She also thanked officers from the Evansville Police Department and Evansville Animal Care & Control for providing field-based insight that helped shape the final language.

“The changes to this bill give us more prosecutorial tools when dealing with animal abuse, neglect, and torture,” Moers wrote.

Addressing Gaps That Leave Animals Vulnerable

Moers has long argued that Indiana’s existing statutes do not always reflect the seriousness of crimes committed against animals. Under current law, some acts of cruelty committed by first-time offenders can only be charged as misdemeanors, regardless of how severe or prolonged the abuse may be.

The proposal before lawmakers works to modernize and clarify animal-related criminal definitions, including revising language related to cruelty, torture, and mutilation of vertebrate animals. By tightening statutory definitions and closing enforcement gaps, the measure aims to give prosecutors clearer authority when pursuing serious cases.

Moers has cited specific cases from Vanderburgh County, including State of Indiana v. Martin Haugland and State of Indiana v. Shayna Burko, as examples that exposed shortcomings in the law and reinforced the need for reform.

Stronger Consequences for Serious Crimes

Another key focus of the legislation is strengthening penalties for the most serious offenses. The measure elevates the theft of a domestic animal to a felony level, recognizing the emotional and personal value pets hold for families. It also adds felony enhancements for abandonment or neglect when conduct results in serious injury or death, occurs in the presence of a minor, or involves large-scale neglect such as hoarding.

The proposal further increases the penalty for killing a law enforcement animal, acknowledging the critical role K-9 officers play in public safety and the risks they face alongside their human partners.

Moers has emphasized that these changes are not about overreach, but about aligning penalties with the harm inflicted and ensuring that particularly egregious conduct is treated accordingly.

Removing Barriers to Doing the Right Thing

The legislation also addresses situations where bystanders may hesitate to act. It removes partial liability for damages when a person removes a domestic animal from a motor vehicle, a change intended to encourage quick action when an animal’s life is at risk.

Moers has said this provision reflects a common-sense approach: people should not fear legal consequences for stepping in to prevent suffering or death.

Collaboration Between Prosecutors and Lawmakers

Representative Wendy McNamara worked closely with Moers throughout the drafting process, with Representatives Beau Baird and Steve Bartels joining as co-authors when the legislation was formally introduced. The measure received its first reading on January 5, 2026, and was referred to the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code the same day.

Moers’ upcoming testimony is expected to focus on how collaboration between legislators, prosecutors, law enforcement, and animal control professionals can produce laws that are both enforceable and grounded in real-world experience.

Speaking for Those Without a Voice

As she prepares to testify, Moers continues to stress the importance of public awareness. Animals cannot speak for themselves, she has said, making community involvement critical.

She urges residents to report suspected abuse, neglect, or hoarding by calling 911, noting that timely intervention can save lives.

For Moers, the legislation represents more than a statutory update. It is an effort to ensure Indiana’s laws reflect the seriousness of crimes committed against animals and provide prosecutors with the tools they need to protect those who cannot protect themselves.