Sec. 15. (a) This section does not apply to the following:
(1) A state or federally inspected livestock slaughtering facility (for conduct authorized by IC 15-17-5 and rules adopted under that chapter).
(2) An animal disease diagnostic laboratory established under IC 21-46-3-1.
(3) A postsecondary educational institution.
(4) A research facility licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture.
(b) As used in this section, "animal" has the meaning set forth in IC 35-46-3-3.
(c) A person who knowingly or intentionally destroys or authorizes the destruction of an animal by placing the animal in a decompression chamber and lowering the pressure of or the oxygen content in the air surrounding the animal commits a Class B misdemeanor.