Sec. 601.205. - Striking or interfering with law enforcement animals.

(a) As used in this Section, the following words shall have the meanings indicated: (1) Law enforcement animal means an animal, including but not limited to a dog or horse, that is owned or leased by the Office of Sheriff for the principal purpose of aiding in i) the detection of criminal activity; ii) the enforcement of laws; iii) the apprehension of offenders; or iv) traffic or crowd control or such other activities directed by the Sheriff. (2) Interfere with means any activity intended to distract the law enforcement animal from or hinder it in the performance of its duties, including but not limited to throwing or waving objects at, chasing, flashing laser pointer beams, calling, blocking or any similar activity. (3) In the performance of its duties means a law enforcement animal is i) on duty for the Office of Sheriff; ii) in an off-duty capacity, including working at an approved off duty/extra duty event for a contracted entity for law enforcement services; or iii) at an approved non-pay volunteer event. (b) It shall be unlawful and a Class D offense for any person to knowingly or intentionally strike or interfere with a law enforcement animal while said law enforcement animal is in the performance of its duties. (c) It shall be a defense to subjection (b) if the accused person was engaged in a training activity or discipline, for the law enforcement animal, and acted as a employee or agent of the office of Sheriff. (d) In addition to any other penalties prescribed herein, the court may order a person convicted of striking or interfering with a law enforcement animal to make restitution to the person or agency owning said law enforcement animal for reimbursement of veterinary bills, costs of retraining and temporary loss of use and replacement costs if the law enforcement animal is killed, disabled or otherwise unable to perform its duties as a result of striking or interference. (Ord. 98-1056-E, § 1; Ord. 2011-232-E, § 2) Note— Former § 601.120.