District Of Columbia § 22-861 - Harassing, interfering with, injuring, or obstructing a police animal.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 22-861 — Harassing, interfering with, injuring, or obstructing a police animal., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-861. Harassing, interfering with, injuring, or obstructing a police animal.
22-861For the purposes of this section, the term:
“Police animal” means a dog, horse, or other animal used by a law enforcement agency, correctional facility, police department, fire department, or search and rescue unit or agency for the purpose of aiding in the detection of criminal activity, enforcement of laws, apprehension of criminal offenders, or search and rescue efforts, whether or not the dog, horse, or other animal is engaged in the performance of its official duties when a violation of this section occurs.
“Significant bodily injury” means an injury that requires hospitalization or immediate medical attention.
Any person who intentionally and without justifiable and excusable cause, harasses, interferes with, injures, or obstructs a police animal when he or she has reason to believe the animal is a police animal shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned not more than 180 days or fined not more than the amount set forth in , or both.
Any person who violates subsection (b) of this section and causes significant bodily injury to, or the death of, a police animal shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned not more than 10 years, or fined not more than the amount set forth in , or both.
The penalties set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall also apply to an owner or keeper of a dog or other animal who intentionally and without justifiable and excusable cause fails to restrain the dog or animal from attacking a police animal when the owner or keeper has reason to believe the animal is a police animal.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 22-861
What does D.C. Code § 22-861 cover?
Section 22-861 ("Harassing, interfering with, injuring, or obstructing a police animal.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 22-861?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 22-861" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 22-861 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.