Utah § 76-13-211 - Injuring, harassing, or endangering a service animal.
Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-13-211 — Injuring, harassing, or endangering a service animal., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 76-13-211. Injuring, harassing, or endangering a service animal.
Effective 7/1/2026 76-13-211.
Injuring, harassing, or endangering a service animal.
(1)
(a)
As used in this section:
(i)
"Disability" means the same as that term is defined in Section 26B-6-801.
(ii)
"Search and rescue dog" means a dog:
(A)
with documented training to locate individuals who are:
(I)
lost, missing, or injured; or
(II)
trapped under debris as the result of a natural or man-made event; and
(B)
affiliated with an established search and rescue dog organization.
(iii)
"Service animal" means:
(A)
a service animal as that term is defined in Section 26B-6-801; or
An actor commits injuring, harassing, or endangering a service animal if the actor:
(a)
knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly causes substantial bodily injury or death to a service animal;
(b)
owns, keeps, harbors, or exercises control over an animal and knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly fails to exercise sufficient control over the animal to prevent the animal from:
(i)
causing substantial bodily injury to or the death of a service animal;
(ii)
causing a service animal's subsequent inability to function as a service animal as a result of the animal's attacking, chasing, or harassing the service animal; or
(iii)
chasing or harassing a service animal while the service animal is carrying out the service animal's functions as a service animal, to the extent that the animal temporarily interferes with the service animal's ability to carry out the service animal's functions; or
(c)
chases or harasses a service animal.
(3)
(a)
A violation of Subsection (2)(a), (2)(b)(i), or (2)(b)(ii) is a class A misdemeanor.
(b)
A violation of Subsection (2)(b)(iii) or (2)(c) is a class B misdemeanor.
(4)
(a)
A service animal is exempt from quarantine or other animal control ordinances if the service animal bites an individual while the service animal is subject to an offense under Subsection (2).
(b)
The owner of the service animal or the individual with a disability whom the service animal serves shall make the service animal available for examination at a reasonable time and shall notify the local health officer if the service animal exhibits any abnormal behavior.
(5)
In addition to any other penalty, an actor convicted of a violation of this section is liable for restitution to the owner of the service animal or the individual with a disability whom the service animal serves for the replacement, training, and veterinary costs incurred as a result of the violation of this section.
(6)
If the act committed under this section amounts to an offense subject to a greater penalty under another provision of this title, than is provided under this section, this section does not prohibit prosecution and sentencing for the more serious offense.
Section 76-13-211 ("Injuring, harassing, or endangering a service 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 § 76-13-211?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-13-211" (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 § 76-13-211 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.
