Crackdown continues on central Indiana drug trafficking, dog-fighting ring
More than a dozen people have already been sentenced for their roles in an illegal gambling and dog-fighting ring, with more awaiting sentencing hearings.
animal cruelty
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National animal rights group offers $2,500 reward in Spencer County animal cruelty case
After a dog was found tied up, shot and killed in Spencer County last month, a national animal rights group announced Nov. 5 it was offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the dog’s death.
Kokomo woman gets 18 months in federal prison after violating terms of previous animal cruelty sentence
U.S. District Magistrate Judge Tim Baker sentenced Krystal Scott, 24, to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to violating conditions of her previous supervised release.
Indianapolis company that bred beagles for research pleads guilty to neglect, ordered to pay record $35M fine
An Indianapolis-based company that bred beagles for medical research agreed Monday to pay a record $35 million as part of a criminal plea admitting it neglected thousands of dogs at its breeding facility in rural Virginia.
Supreme Court backs California law for more space for pigs. Producers predict pricier pork, bacon
The Supreme Court on Thursday backed a California animal cruelty law that requires more space for breeding pigs, a ruling the pork industry says will lead to higher costs nationwide for pork chops and bacon.
Owner of defunct Charlestown zoo featured in ‘Tiger King’ loses liability appeal
The owner of a now-defunct southern Indiana roadside zoo featured in Netflix’s “Tiger King” is liable for the funds he misappropriated from the zoo’s underlying nonprofit, the Court of Appeals of Indiana has affirmed.
US Supreme Court to hear case that could raise price of pork
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments over a California animal cruelty law that could raise the cost of bacon and other pork products nationwide.
Man loses appeal of animal abuse convictions after hitting, shooting dog
The Court of Appeals of Indiana has upheld a man’s conviction for hitting and shooting his dog, finding the evidence did not support his claim that he was trying to put the animal down to protect his neighbors.
Federal judge issues order against research dog-breeding facility
A federal judge has issued an emergency order imposing a series of restrictions on a dog-breeding facility in Virginia owned by an Indianapolis-based company after regulators said the site was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of beagle puppies.
Court won’t revive ban on secret filming at slaughterhouses
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by Kansas to revive a law, earlier struck down by lower courts, that banned secret filming at slaughterhouses and other livestock facilities.
Kokomo woman gets 2.5 years for ‘animal crushing’
A Kokomo woman has been sentenced to federal prison time for torturing animals and then posting videos of the crimes online.
LaPorte man charged with killing 4-year-old son
A LaPorte man has been charged with murder in the death of his 4-year-old son shortly after the boy’s death was ruled a homicide, authorities said.
Northwest Indiana towns pass policies aimed at puppy mills
Communities across Northwest Indiana are considering humane pet store policies that ban the sale of pets raised at puppy and kitten mills.
Ex-Charlestown wildlife center auctioned off after court ruling
Hundreds of people turned out for an auction at a former Charlestown wildlife center where the ex-proprietor and his ex-wife were found to have violated the Endangered Species Act by taking and wounding animals, including tigers and lions.
Judge: Ex-Charlestown wildlife center proprietor owes PETA $734K
A judge has ordered the former proprietor of an Indiana wildlife center and his ex-wife to pay People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals more than $700,000 in attorney fees stemming from the group’s successful lawsuit alleging violations of the Endangered Species Act.
DNR studying coyote killing laws
A prominent animal welfare group is calling for more regulation – and even a ban – on wildlife killing contests in the state of Indiana.
Ex-Charlestown zoo owner released from jail as nonprofit is dissolved
The controversial owner of a now-defunct Charlestown zoo is vowing to “prepare for war” after his roadside attraction was formally dissolved.
Defunct Charlestown zoo owner arrested in New York
After more than three weeks at large, the owner of a former Charlestown zoo has been arrested in upstate New York. He faces extradition to Indiana to face criminal and civil proceedings.
Charlestown zoo owner still at large as state moves for default judgment, dissolution
As the search for animals missing from an embattled Charlestown zoo continues, the state of Indiana is seeking default judgment and judicial dissolution that would formally end Wildlife in Need’s operations. Meanwhile, zoo owner Tim Stark remains at large following an arrest warrant issued in Marion County, as well as an additional warrant in Clark County.
PETA: 22 big cats taken from Charlestown zoo; all animals out
An animal advocacy organization said Friday afternoon it had assisted in the removal of 22 big cats, completing an animal-removal operation from a now-defunct Charlestown zoo. The removal came with the assistance of federal marshals after the zoo’s fugitive owner had made threats of violence and defied court orders.