Some states are “open range” or a “fence out” states, meaning that a livestock owner does not have a legal duty to prevent animals from getting onto the roadway. But some state legislatures have enacted statutes known as "stock laws" that modify the common law (rules contained in court opinions written by judges) and prohibit owners from allowing animals to run at large.
Indiana is not an 'open range' or 'fence out' state. Instead, it requires livestock owners to prevent their animals from running at large. Indiana Code Title 15. Agriculture and Animals, Article 17. Health and Safety of Animals, Chapter 18. Estrays; Animals Running at Large, specifically addresses the responsibilities of animal owners. Under Indiana law, it is generally the duty of the livestock owner to keep their animals enclosed within fences or other barriers. If livestock are found running at large, the owner may be liable for damages caused by the animals and may also be subject to fines. This reflects a 'fence in' policy, where the burden is on the livestock owner to contain their animals and prevent them from roaming onto roadways or other people's property.