This bill aims to enhance the legal protections for public safety animals, specifically police dogs and other animals used by law enforcement and emergency services. It introduces a new section, 61-2-10c, which establishes criminal offenses for willfully causing physical injury, serious physical injury, or death to these animals. The bill defines key terms such as "public safety animal," "public safety officer," "physical injury," and "serious physical injury." It outlines penalties for offenders, including misdemeanor charges for physical injury and felony charges for serious injury or death, with fines and imprisonment terms specified. Additionally, the bill allows for the defense of public safety animals and provides an exemption for euthanizing animals as part of official duties.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the existing law under 19-20-24 that pertains to causing injury or death to police dogs and other public safety animals, effectively consolidating these provisions under the new section. It also amends 61-11-18 to include the felony offenses related to harming public safety animals as qualifying offenses for recidivist sentencing. This means that individuals with prior convictions for these offenses may face enhanced penalties if they reoffend. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen the legal framework protecting public safety animals and ensure that those who harm them are held accountable.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-11-18, 61-2-10c, 19-20-24