§ 5-54-126 — Killing or injuring animals used by law enforcement or search and rescue dogs

(a) Any person who: (1) Purposely kills or physically injures; (2) Purposely causes physical contact that is of a nature likely to cause physical injury to; or (3) Attempts to cause physical contact that is of a nature likely to cause physical injury to, any animal owned by or used by a law enforcement agency or any search and rescue dog upon conviction is guilty of a Class D felony. (b) A person who purposely interferes with or obstructs an animal owned by or used by a law enforcement agency or a search and rescue dog used by a law enforcement officer in the discharge or attempted discharge of his or her duties upon conviction is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. (c) As used in this section, "search and rescue dog" means a dog: (1) In training for or trained for the purpose of search and rescue; (2) Owned by an independent handler or member of a search and rescue team; (3) Used in conjunction with a local law enforcement organization or an emergency services organization for the purpose of locating a missing person or evidence of arson; (4) Trained for the purpose of locating controlled substances; or (5) Trained to assist in the apprehension of persons alleged to have violated any law. (d) A person guilty of violating this section is also required to make restitution to the law enforcement agency or owner of the animal that suffered a loss due to the violation, including without limitation reimbursement for veterinary bills, and the replacement cost of the animal if the animal is permanently disabled or killed as a result of the violation.

Legislative History

Acts 1985, No. 446, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 41-2858, 41-2859; Acts 1987, No. 884, § 1; 1999, No. 571, § 1; 2009, No. 530, § 1.