Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-13-209 — Endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 76-13-209. Endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal.
Effective 5/7/2025
76-13-209.
Endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal.
| (1) |
| (a) | As used in this section:
| (i) | "Handler" means an individual who uses a public safety animal to assist with duties of a public safety organization. |
| (ii) | "Public safety animal" means an animal that a public safety organization:
| (A) | owns or uses under contract; and |
| (B) | uses, or allows another public safety organization to use, to assist with duties of a public safety organization. |
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| (iii) | "Public safety organization" means a government entity that provides a law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, military, or other public safety service. |
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| (2) | An actor commits endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal if the actor intentionally or knowingly:
| (a) | causes the death of a public safety animal; |
| (b) | causes bodily injury to a public safety animal; |
| (c) | engages in conduct likely to cause bodily injury or death to a public safety animal; or |
| (d) | lays out, places, or administers any poison, trap, substance, or object that is likely to produce bodily injury or death to a public safety animal. |
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| (3) |
| (a) | A violation of Subsection (2)(a) is a second degree felony. |
| (b) | A violation of Subsection (2)(b), (c), or (d) is a third degree felony. |
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| (4) |
| (a) | A public safety animal is exempt from quarantine or other animal control ordinances if the public safety animal bites an individual while under proper supervision by a public safety organization or during routine veterinary care. |
| (b) | The public safety organization and the public safety animal's handler shall make the public safety animal available for examination at a reasonable time and shall notify the local health officer if the public safety animal exhibits any abnormal behavior. |
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| (5) | In addition to any other penalty, an actor convicted of a violation of this section is liable for restitution to the owning or employing public safety organization or individual owner of the public safety animal for the replacement, training, and veterinary costs incurred as a result of the violation of this section. |
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter
173, 2025 General Session
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 76-13-209
What does Utah Code § 76-13-209 cover?
Section 76-13-209 ("Endangering, injuring, or killing a public safety animal.") 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 § 76-13-209?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-13-209" (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 § 76-13-209 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.
