Pennsylvania § 2385 - Destruction of dogs declared public nuisances.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2385 — Destruction of dogs declared public nuisances., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2385. Destruction of dogs declared public nuisances.
(a) General rule.--A dog declared a public nuisance pursuant to section 2384 (relating to declaring dogs public nuisances) may be killed by any commission officer at any time or by any person when the dog is found to be in the act of attacking a big game animal.
(b) Reports after killing dog.--Any person who kills a licensed dog pursuant to subsection (a) and section 2384 shall notify the owner or a commission officer within 48 hours after the dog was killed. The person who killed the dog or the commission officer who receives the report shall disclose to the owner of the dog the time, place, circumstances relating to the death of the dog and the location of the dog's remains. All equipment found on the dog, including collar, name tag, license tag or any other personal property, shall be returned to the owner of the dog within ten days after conclusion of any prosecution or immediately if no prosecution is contemplated.
(c) Inapplicability of certain laws.--
(1) The provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 55 Subch. B (relating to cruelty to animals) shall not apply to any person killing any dog pursuant to subsection (a).
(2) The provisions of 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 85 (relating to matters affecting government units) shall not apply to any agency, commission or department or any officers charged by law with enforcing the provisions of this title.
(June 28, 2017, P.L.215, No.10, eff. 60 days)
2017 Amendment. Act 10 amended subsec. (c)(1).
Cross References. Section 2385 is referred to in section 5561 of Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses).
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 2385
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2385 cover?
Section 2385 ("Destruction of dogs declared public nuisances.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania § 2385?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2385" (Pennsylvania). 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 Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 2385 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.