2C:29-3.1
Animal owned, used by law enforcement agency, search and rescue dog,
infliction of harm upon, interference with officer, degree of crime,
penalties.
1. Any person who purposely kills a dog, horse or other animal owned or
used by a law enforcement agency or a search and rescue dog shall be
guilty of a crime of the third degree. Any person who purposely maims or
otherwise inflicts harm upon a dog, horse or other animal owned or used
by a law enforcement agency or a search and rescue dog shall be guilty
of a crime of the fourth degree. Any person who interferes with any law
enforcement officer using an animal in the performance of his official
duties commits a disorderly persons offense, subject to a sentence of
six months imprisonment, some or all of which may be community service,
restitution and a $1,000.00 fine.
As used in this section, search and rescue dog means any dog trained or
being trained for the purpose of search and rescue that is owned by an
independent handler or member of a search and rescue team, and used in
conjunction with local law enforcement or emergency services
organizations for the purpose of locating missing persons or evidence of
arson.
L.1983,c.261,s.1; amended 1999, c.14; 2005, c.24.