(a) Any person who: (1) Purposely kills or physically injures;(2) Purposely causes physical contact that is of a nature likely to cause physical injury to; or(3) Attempts to cause physical contact that is of a nature likely to cause physical injury to, any animal owned by or used by a law enforcement agency or any search and rescue dog upon conviction is guilty of a Class D felony.(b) A person who purposely interferes with or obstructs an animal owned by or used by a law enforcement agency or a search and rescue dog used by a law enforcement officer in the discharge or attempted discharge of his or her duties upon conviction is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.(c) As used in this section, 'search and rescue dog' means a dog: (1) In training for or trained for the purpose of search and rescue;(2) Owned by an independent handler or member of a search and rescue team;(3) Used in conjunction with a local law enforcement organization or an emergency services organization for the purpose of locating a missing person or evidence of arson;(4) Trained for the purpose of locating controlled substances; or(5) Trained to assist in the apprehension of persons alleged to have violated any se of locating a missing person or evidence of arson;(4) Trained for the purpose of locating controlled substances; or(5) Trained to assist in the apprehension of persons alleged to have violated any law.(d) A person guilty of violating this section is also required to make restitution to the law enforcement agency or owner of the animal that suffered a loss due to the violation, including without limitation reimbursement for veterinary bills, and the replacement cost of the animal if the animal is permanently disabled or killed as a result of the violation.Acts 1985, No. 446, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 41-2858, 41-2859; Acts 1987, No. 884, § 1; 1999, No. 571, § 1; 2009, No. 530, § 1.
Arkansas Legal Code