G7.1.13 Destruction of Animals
Chapter: Chapter 07: Use of Force
Sub-Chapter: 7.1 - Use of Force
Effective Date: 02/24/2020
Revised Date: 06/18/2024
Rescinds: G7.1.13 – 6/21/2022
Purpose
To provide the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) with guidance on when force may be used against animals, or when animals may be destroyed.
General Order
IUPD officers may use force to destroy an animal only when animal control services are not immediately available and when it would be humane, or the injured animal poses an immediate risk to public safety. Officers may respond to an animal attack by using only the force necessary and objectively reasonable to stop the attack.
Destruction of Animals (7.1.13)
Officers may be faced with circumstances which require them to use force against an animal. These situations are animal attacks and injured animals.
When responding to an animal attack, officers are authorized to use only force that is necessary and objectively reasonable to stop the attack.
When responding to an injured animal, animal control services should be used to assist with the injured animal when possible. If this is not possible or humane, or the injured animal poses an immediate risk, an officer may destroy the animal using a department authorized handgun.
- Officers will request authorization from a supervisor, when possible, before using force against an animal.
- Officers will take necessary actions to ensure public safety when using a handgun to destroy an animal.
- Officers will notify the IUPD dispatch communications center via radio that they are about to use a handgun before using the weapon to destroy an animal. The IUPD dispatch communications center will notify communication centers serving surrounding jurisdictions that an officer is about to discharge a firearm.
Documenting Use of Force Against Animals
Officers who use force against an animal will document their actions in a case report within the IUPD’s Records Management System (RMS) and complete a Critical Decision Making (CDM) incident form as described in G7.1.10 Reporting Use of Force Incidents prior to the end of their duty shift.
Disposal of Injured or Dead Animals
IUPD dispatch communications center will maintain a list of organizations that can assist with injured animals or dispose of dead animals for each county where IUPD has primary jurisdiction.
Related Information
Indiana University Police Department
- G7.1.10 Reporting Use of Force Incidents