A load drive apparatus includes a switching element, a current detection circuit, a short circuit detection resistor, and a reflux diode. The switching element is placed to a high side of the inductive load, is interposed between the voltage source and the inductive load, and controls a current supplied to the inductive load. The current detection circuit is placed to a low side of the inductive load, and detects a current value of a current flowing through the low side of the inductive load. The short circuit detection resistor is interposed between the current detection circuit and a ground. The reflux diode is placed in a forward direction of the reflux diode and connects a middle point between the short circuit detection resistor and the current detection circuit with a different middle point between the switching element and the inductive load.