Ind. Code ch. 16-31-13

Ind. Code § 16-31-13-1 "Operational canine"

Sec. 1. (a) As used in this chapter, "operational canine" means a dog that: (1) is owned, used, or requested for use by a law enforcement agency or a federal, state, or local fire or other emergency response agency; and (2) is used for the principal purposes of aiding in: (A) the detection of criminal activity; (B) the enforcement of laws; (C) the apprehension of offenders; (D) providing search and rescue services; or (E) ensuring the public safety and welfare. (b) The term includes the following: (1) An arson investigation dog. (2) A bomb detection dog. (3) A narcotic detection dog. (4) A patrol dog. (5) A military working dog. (6) A search and rescue dog. As added by P.L.37-2021, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.9-2022, SEC.29.

Ind. Code § 16-31-13-2 Emergency transport and care of operational canines; financial responsibility

Sec. 2. (a) If there is not an individual requiring medical attention or transport, a paramedic, advanced emergency medical technician, or emergency medical technician may use ambulance services to transport an operational canine injured in the line of duty to a veterinary hospital or clinic. (b) During transport, a paramedic, advanced emergency medical technician, or emergency medical technician may provide the following care to an injured operational canine: (1) Opening and manually maintaining an airway. (2) Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. (3) Administering oxygen. (4) Managing ventilation by mask. (5) Controlling hemorrhage with direct pressure. (6) Immobilizing fractures. (7) Bandaging. (8) Procedures authorized under a written protocol established and provided by the state veterinarian. (9) Procedures authorized by the Indiana emergency medical services commission. (10) If the paramedic, advanced emergency medical technician, or emergency medical technician is trained in canine tactical combat casualty care (K9TCCC), the individual may provide care within the scope and protocols of the K9TCCC training. (c) A paramedic, advanced emergency medical technician, or emergency medical technician may require a member of the law enforcement department or agency to accompany the injured operational canine during transport. (d) Unless there is a written agreement that specifies the party that is financially responsible for the transportation and treatment cost for an injured operational canine, the law enforcement agency or other governmental agency that owns or requested the use of the operational canine is responsible for the transportation and treatment cost for the operational canine. (e) A written agreement between a law enforcement agency or other governmental agency and a provider of ambulance services that concerns the transport and care of an operational canine injured in the line of duty must specify which services described under subsection (b) will be covered under the agreement. As added by P.L.37-2021, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.170-2022, SEC.34.

Ind. Code § 16-31-13-3 Immunity from liability

Sec. 3. A paramedic, advanced emergency medical technician, or emergency medical technician who, in the performance of their duties and in good faith, renders care or transportation to an injured operational canine as allowed under this chapter is not liable: (1) for any act or omission when rendering the care or transportation; or (2) to the veterinary hospital or clinic for expenses incurred for emergency care provided to the injured operational canine. As added by P.L.37-2021, SEC.2.

Ind. Code § 16-31-13-4 No practice of veterinary medicine

Sec. 4. A paramedic, advanced emergency medical technician, or emergency medical technician who provides care to an injured operational canine as allowed under this chapter does not engage in the practice of veterinary medicine for purposes of IC 25-38.1. As added by P.L.37-2021, SEC.2.