Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6; IC 14-22-34-15

Affected: IC 4-21.5; IC 14-22-6-1

Sec. 26. (a) A person must not breed or rear in captivity an endangered species of wild animal except under a propagation permit issued under this section.

(b) A person must apply for a propagation permit on a departmental form filed with the division of fish and wildlife. The applicant must include the following with the application:

1. (1) Information regarding the health and safe handling of the wild animal.
2. (2) The current and historic status of the species in the state.
3. (3) Information regarding the purpose of the propagation.
4. (4) Documentation of legal acquisition of the original stock of wild animal for breeding or rearing.

(c) A permit issued under this section may authorize:

1. (1) the release of an animal bred or reared under the propagation permit into the wild in Indiana in accordance with the conditions of the permit; or
2. (2) further conservation activities for the restoration of wild animal species (i.e., genetics research, conditioning, development of broodstock).

(d) A permit issued under this section authorizing the release of a specimen into the wild may only be issued if the applicant establishes the animal bred or reared in captivity:

1. (1) is, as testing is scientifically possible and appropriate for the species and age of the animal, free of any communicable disease;
2. (2) will not become a nuisance; and

3. (3) will not damage a:

   1. (A) native wild animal;
   2. (B) domesticated species of animal; or
   3. (C) species of plant;
4. (4) is capable of surviving after release and achieving the release goal;
5. (5) is genetic appropriate; and
6. (6) is capable of meeting anticipated post release impact and management guidelines.

(e) A propagation permit application may be denied or a propagation permit issued under this section may be suspended or revoked in accordance with IC 4-21.5 if the person:

1. (1) fails to comply with:

   1. (A) this article; or
   2. (B) a term of the permit;
2. (2) provides false information to obtain a permit under this section;
3. (3) possesses a propagation permit authorizing release of a wild animal into the wild and fails to establish that the release of a wild animal into the wild will not threaten the welfare of a wild animal population or the people; or
4. (4) fails to establish the legal acquisition of the species or health and safe handling of the wild animal.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-10-26; filed Jun 21, 2018, 1:45 p.m.: 20180718-IR-312170436FRA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)