Utah statute
Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-210 — Interference with a public safety animal.
Current through 2026 General Session
Part of Part 2: Cruelty to Animal Offenses, Utah Code.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-210
Statutory text current through the 2026 General Session. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Utah.
(1)(a) As used in this section: (1)(a)(i) "Handler" means the same as that term is defined in Section 76-13-209. (1)(a)(ii) "Public safety animal" means the same as that term is defined in Section 76-13-209. (1)(a)(iii) "Public safety organization" means the same as that term is defined in Section 76-13-209. (1)(b) Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5, 76-13-101, and 76-13-201 apply to this section. (2) An actor commits interference with a public safety animal if the actor intentionally or knowingly: (2)(a) taunts, torments, strikes, or otherwise assaults a public safety animal; (2)(b) throws an object or substance at, or in the path of, a public safety animal; (2)(c) interferes with or obstructs a public safety animal, or attempts to, or interferes with the handler of the public safety animal in a manner that inhibits, restricts, or deprives the handler of control of the public safety animal; (2)(d) releases a public safety animal from the public safety animal's area of control, including a vehicle, kennel, or pen, or trespasses in that area; or (2)(e) places any food, object, or substance into a public safety animal's area of control without the permission of the handler. (3) A violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor. (4) In addition to any other penalty, an actor convicted of a violation of this section is liable for restitution to the owning or employing public safety organization or individual owner of the public safety animal for the replacement, training, and veterinary costs incurred as a result of the violation of this section.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is interference with a public safety animal a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
Interference with a public safety animal is a Class A Misdemeanor in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-210.
Which Utah statute covers interference with a public safety animal?
Interference with a public safety animal is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-210 (Interference with a public safety animal).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.