Utah § 76-13-103 - Officer's authority at a dog fighting exhibition -- Authority to arrest and take possession of dogs and property.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-13-103 — Officer's authority at a dog fighting exhibition -- Authority to arrest and take possession of dogs and property., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 76-13-103. Officer's authority at a dog fighting exhibition -- Authority to arrest and take possession of dogs and property.

Effective 5/7/2025
76-13-103.  Officer's authority at a dog fighting exhibition -- Authority to arrest and take possession of dogs and property.
(1)Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5 and 76-13-101 apply to this section.
(2)A peace officer as defined in Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications, may enter any place, building, or tenement where an exhibition of dog fighting is occurring, or where preparations are being made for such an exhibition and, without a warrant, arrest all persons present.
(3)
(a)Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 76-13-102, Officer's authority to take possession of an animal, any authorized officer who makes an arrest under Subsection (2) may lawfully take possession of all dogs, paraphernalia, implements, or other property or things used or employed, or to be employed, in an exhibition of dog fighting prohibited by Subsection 76-13-202(2)(e) or Section 76-13-205, Dog fighting.
(b)The officer, at the time of the taking of property pursuant to Subsection (3)(a), shall state the officer's name and provide other identifying information to the person in charge of the dogs or property taken.
(4)
(a)After taking possession of dogs, paraphernalia, implements, or other property or things under Subsection (3), the officer shall file an affidavit with the judge or magistrate before whom a complaint has been made against any person arrested under this section.
(b)The affidavit shall include:
(i)the name of the person charged in the complaint;
(ii)a description of all property taken;
(iii)the time and place of the taking of the property;
(iv)the name of the person from whom the property was taken;
(v)the name of the person who claims to own the property, if known; and
(vi)a statement that the officer has reason to believe and believes that the property taken was used or employed, or was to be used or employed, in violation of Section 76-13-202, 76-13-203, 76-13-204, or 76-13-205, and the grounds for the belief.
(5)
(a)The officer shall deliver the confiscated property to the judge or magistrate who shall, by order, place the property in the custody of the officer or any other person designated in the order, and that person shall keep the property until conviction or final discharge of the person against whom the complaint was made.
(b)The person designated in Subsection (5)(a) shall assume immediate custody of the property, and retain the property until further order of the court.
(c)Upon conviction of the person charged, all confiscated property shall be forfeited and destroyed or otherwise disposed of, as the court may order.
(d)If the person charged is acquitted or discharged without conviction, the court shall, on demand, order the property to be returned to its owner.


Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 173, 2025 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 76-13-103

What does Utah Code § 76-13-103 cover?

Section 76-13-103 ("Officer's authority at a dog fighting exhibition -- Authority to arrest and take possession of dogs and property.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. 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 Utah § 76-13-103?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-13-103" (Utah). 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 Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 76-13-103 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

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