Pennsylvania § 5535 - Attack of service, guide or support dog.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5535 — Attack of service, guide or support dog., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5535. Attack of service, guide or support dog.
(a) Offense defined.--A person commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if the person is the owner of a dog that kills, maims or disfigures a service, guide or support dog of an individual with a disability without provocation by the service, guide or support dog or the individual.
(b) Culpability.--A person commits an offense under this section only if the person:
(1) knew or should have known that the dog the person owns had a propensity to attack human beings or domestic animals without provocation; and
(2) knowingly or recklessly failed to restrain the dog or keep the dog in a contained, secure manner.
(c) Penalty.--A person convicted of violating this section shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $5,000 and shall be ordered to make reparations for veterinary costs in treating the service, guide or support dog and, if necessary, the cost of obtaining and training a replacement service, guide or support dog.
(d) Civil penalty and restitution.--
(1) A person who is the owner of a dog that kills, maims or disfigures a service, guide or support dog of an individual with a disability shall be subject to paragraph (2) if both of the following apply:
(i) The owner knew the dog had a propensity to attack human beings or domestic animals.
(ii) The owner failed to restrain the dog or keep the dog in a contained, secure manner.
(2) A court of common pleas may impose any of the following upon a person who is the owner of a dog under paragraph (1):
(i) A civil penalty of up to $15,000.
(ii) Reparations for veterinary costs in treating the service, guide or support dog and, if necessary, the cost of retraining the dog or of obtaining and training a replacement service, guide or support dog.
(iii) Loss of income for the time the individual is unable to work due to the unavailability of the service, guide or support dog.
(Oct. 24, 2018, P.L.685, No.104, eff. 60 days)
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5535
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5535 cover?
Section 5535 ("Attack of service, guide or support dog.") 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 § 5535?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5535" (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 § 5535 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.