Utah criminal charge
Endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal in Utah
Endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-209. Its classification is not fixed: Utah assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-209.
What is the penalty for endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 15 years (Causing death of a public safety animal — Applies when the actor intentionally or knowingly causes the death of a public safety animal.; indeterminate prison term, unless the statute provides otherwise; actual release is determined by the Board of Pardons and Parole) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Causing death of a public safety animal — Applies when the actor intentionally or knowingly causes the death of a public safety animal.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Causing bodily injury, engaging in conduct likely to injure/kill, or placing poison/traps likely to injure/kill a public safety animal — Applies when the actor intentionally or knowingly causes bodily injury to a public safety animal, engages in conduct likely to cause bodily injury or death, or lays out/places/administers poison, traps, substances, or objects likely to cause bodily injury or death to a public safety animal.; indeterminate prison term, unless the statute provides otherwise; actual release is determined by the Board of Pardons and Parole) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (Causing bodily injury, engaging in conduct likely to injure/kill, or placing poison/traps likely to injure/kill a public safety animal — Applies when the actor intentionally or knowingly causes bodily injury to a public safety animal, engages in conduct likely to cause bodily injury or death, or lays out/places/administers poison, traps, substances, or objects likely to cause bodily injury or death to a public safety animal.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
Applies to current (2026 General Session).
How is endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causing death of a public safety animal | Second Degree Felony | Applies when the actor intentionally or knowingly causes the death of a public safety animal. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-209(3)(a) |
| Causing bodily injury, engaging in conduct likely to injure/kill, or placing poison/traps likely to injure/kill a public safety animal | Third Degree Felony | Applies when the actor intentionally or knowingly causes bodily injury to a public safety animal, engages in conduct likely to cause bodily injury or death, or lays out/places/administers poison, traps, substances, or objects likely to cause bodily injury or death to a public safety animal. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-209(3)(b) |
Common questions about endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal in Utah
Is endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal ranges from a Third Degree Felony to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-209.
Causing death of a public safety animal: Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-209(3)(a)) · Causing bodily injury, engaging in conduct likely to injure/kill, or placing poison/traps likely to injure/kill a public safety animal: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-209(3)(b))
What are the penalties for endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal in Utah?
Penalties for endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal in Utah depend on how it is classified — from a Third Degree Felony up to a Second Degree Felony — with the ranges set by Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Utah statute covers endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal?
Endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-209 (Endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.