Cruelty to a law enforcement animal
Sec. 11. (a) A person who knowingly or intentionally:
(1) strikes, torments, injures, or otherwise mistreats a law
enforcement animal; or
(2) interferes with the actions of a law enforcement animal
while the animal is engaged in assisting a law enforcement
officer in the performance of the officer's duties;
commits a Class A misdemeanor.
(b) An offense under subsection (a)(1) is a Class D felony if the
act results in:
(1) serious permanent disfigurement;
(2) unconsciousness;
(3) permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function
of a bodily member or organ; or
(4) death;
of the law enforcement animal.
(c) It is a defense that the accused person:
(1) engaged in a reasonable act of training, handling, or
discipline; and
(2) acted as an employee or agent of a law enforcement agency.
(d) In addition to any sentence or fine imposed for a conviction of
an offense under this section, the court may order the person
convicted to make restitution to the person or law enforcement
agency owning the animal for reimbursement of:
(1) veterinary bills; and
(2) replacement costs of the animal if the animal is disabled or
killed.
As added by P.L.193-1987, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.213-1997,
SEC.3; P.L.9-2003, SEC.2.
Last modified: May 24, 2006