For purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) CONTAINMENT AREA. Any area used to hold a police animal or search and rescue animal regardless whether on duty or off duty, including, but not limited to, a kennel, car unit, trailer, tent, staging area, stable, paddock, tie-out, or fenced area or pasture.
(2) HANDLER. A peace officer, firefighter, search and rescue person, or other specifically trained individual who uses a police animal or search and rescue animal in the performance of his or her duties. For purposes of this article, a peace officer and firefighter are defined in Section 36-30-1.
(3) HARASS. Any act or omission, or attempted act or omission, with or without actual physical contact, which results or could result in harm, disabling, restriction, control of the animal, or a distraction from duties of the animal or handler including, but not limited, to the following:
a. Taunting, teasing, tormenting, mistreating, spitting, shouting, inappropriate gesturing or noises, or approaching in a menacing fashion.
b. Poking, prodding, striking, or kicking.
c. Spraying, throwing, pushing, or otherwise projecting an item or substance, including a flash of light or laser, in a manner likely to cause harm or distraction from duties.
d. Placing food, drugs, chemicals, poison, or other items in the path, area of operation, or containment.
(4) PHYSICAL HARM. Any injury, illness, or other impairment, regardless of its gravity or duration.
(5) POLICE ANIMAL. An animal, generally a dog or horse, which is not a human, with specialized training or in the process of specialized training, which is used by, and under the control of a peace officer, Class One Railroad Officer or special agent, or firefighter, in the performance of his or her duties.
(6) SEARCH AND RESCUE ANIMAL. Any animal with specialized training or in the process of specialized training, which is utilized for the principal purpose of aiding in the detection of missing persons, including, but not limited to, tracking persons who are lost or missing regardless whether living or deceased, sometimes referred to as a "SAR" animal.
(7) SERIOUS PHYSICAL HARM. Any physical harm that carries a substantial risk of death, permanent or temporary maiming or disfigurement, or that causes pain or suffering of any gravity or duration.
Last modified: May 3, 2021