Pennsylvania § 5104.3 - Harming a police animal while evading arrest or detention.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5104.3 — Harming a police animal while evading arrest or detention., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5104.3. Harming a police animal while evading arrest or detention.
(a) Offense defined.--A person commits an offense if, while engaging in an act prohibited under section 5104 (relating to resisting arrest or other law enforcement), 5104.1 (relating to disarming law enforcement officer) or 5104.2 (relating to evading arrest or detention on foot) or 75 Pa.C.S. § 3733 (relating to fleeing or attempting to elude police officer), the person harms a police animal as defined in section 5531 (relating to definitions).
(b) Grading.--An offense under this section is:
(1) A felony of the third degree if the police animal suffers death or serious bodily injury.
(2) A misdemeanor of the second degree if the police animal suffers bodily injury.
(c) Restitution.--In a case in which a defendant is convicted of a violation under subsection (a), the defendant shall be ordered to make restitution to the agency or individual owning the animal for veterinary bills, for replacement costs of the animal if it is disabled or killed and for the salary of the animal's handler for the period of time the handler's services are lost to the agency.
(July 18, 2022, P.L.1620, No.95, eff. 60 days)
2022 Amendment. Act 95 added section 5104.3.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5104.3
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5104.3 cover?
Section 5104.3 ("Harming a police animal while evading arrest or detention.") 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 § 5104.3?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5104.3" (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 § 5104.3 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.