Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 10. (a) This section establishes general requirements for confining or otherwise enclosing a wild animal that must be demonstrated in an application under this rule. A person who holds a permit must maintain compliance with this section while in possession of the wild animal.

(b) All wild animals must have a designated primary enclosure.

(c) All wild animals shall be kept in cages or enclosures. Walls and restraints affixed to windows, doors, and other means of entry or exit must be as strong as what is prescribed in section 13 of this rule for cage construction.

(d) All cages shall:

1. (1) be well braced and, when necessary, securely fastened to the floor or ground; and
2. (2) utilize metal clamps, ties, welds, or braces of equivalent strength as that prescribed for cage construction.

(e) Except as provided in subsection (f), the cage or enclosure required for a Class III wild animal must also be surrounded by a perimeter chain link fence that is at least six (6) feet high. Fencing material that is equal in strength and durability to chain link may be substituted.

(f) A venomous reptile must be kept in a locked container within a locked building, compound, or enclosure. The premises shall have a notice clearly and conspicuously posted to provide the:

1. (1) location of the nearest, most readily available source of appropriate anti-venin; and
2. (2) telephone number of the nearest poison control center.

(g) A wild animal must not be chained or tethered, except under the following conditions:

1. (1) During training sessions. During these sessions, the wild animal must be under the direct supervision of the permittee or an employee of the permittee. Training may take place only within the perimeter fence, not in public view, and while under strict control of the handler.
2. (2) During an emergency.
3. (3) While repairs are being made to the cage.

(h) A Class III wild animal must have secondary housing, for example, a den, shift cage, or transport crate, in which the animal can be secured. The secondary housing must be as strong as what is required for cage construction. The animal may be housed in secondary housing for a set period of time upon the written instructions of a licensed veterinarian.

(i) A modification from the general cage requirements may be granted upon a written finding by the director that the overall welfare of the animal and public safety would be maintained if the modification were implemented.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-11-10; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2740; filed Jul 9, 1999, 5:55 p.m.: 22 IR 3676; errata filed Oct 26, 1999, 2:40 p.m.: 23 IR 589; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Feb 28, 2014, 8:01 a.m.: 20140326-IR-312130024FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)