Sec. 11.3. (a) As used in this section, "search and rescue dog" means a dog that receives special training to locate or attempt to locate by air scent or ground or water tracking a person who is an offender or is lost, trapped, injured, or incapacitated.
(b) A person who knowingly or intentionally:
(1) interferes with the actions of a search and rescue dog while the dog is performing or is attempting to perform a search and rescue task; or
(2) strikes, torments, injures, or otherwise mistreats a search and rescue dog;
commits a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) An offense under subsection (b)(2) is a Level 6 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 search and rescue dog.
(d) It is a defense that the accused person:
(1) engaged in a reasonable act of training, handling, or disciplining the search and rescue dog; or
(2) reasonably believed the conduct was necessary to prevent injury to the accused person or another person.
(e) In addition to any sentence or fine imposed for a conviction of an offense under this section, the court may order the person to make restitution to the person who owns the search and rescue dog for reimbursement of:
(1) veterinary bills; and
(2) replacement costs of the dog if the dog is disabled or killed.
As added by P.L.9-2003, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.158-2013, SEC.564.
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