This bill amends existing laws to provide a definition for "search-and-rescue dog" and increases the penalties for the injury to or harassment of police dogs, police horses, fire dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. The new definition specifies that a search-and-rescue dog is one owned or employed by various agencies for locating individuals. The bill also expands the scope of offenses to include willful injury or harassment of these animals, with specific actions outlined that constitute such offenses.

The penalties for injuring these animals have been significantly increased, with minor injuries now classified as a third-degree felony, and serious injuries or death classified as a second-degree felony. Additionally, the bill introduces restitution requirements for veterinary bills or replacement costs for animals that are permanently disabled or killed. The sentencing provisions have also been updated to reflect these changes, including specific fines associated with the new classifications of felonies related to the injury of these service animals.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 30-18-13, 31-18-15