Iowa Code 717B.9 – Injury or interference with a police service dog
Current as of: 2023 | Check for updates
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1. A person who knowingly, and willfully or maliciously torments, strikes, administers a nonpoisonous desensitizing substance to, or otherwise interferes with a police service dog, without inflicting serious injury on the dog, commits a serious misdemeanor.
Attorney's Note
Under the Iowa Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class D felony | up to 5 years | between $1,025 and $10,245 |
| Serious misdemeanor | up to 1 year | between $430 and $2,560 |
Terms Used In Iowa Code 717B.9
- following: when used by way of reference to a chapter or other part of a statute mean the next preceding or next following chapter or other part. See Iowa Code 4.1
- Injury: means an animal's disfigurement; the impairment of an animal's health; or an impairment to the functioning of an animal's limb or organ, including physical damage or harm to an animal's muscle, tissue, organs, bones, hide, or skin. See Iowa Code 717B.1
- person: means individual, corporation, limited liability company, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, or any other legal entity. See Iowa Code 4.1
- Veterinarian: means a veterinarian licensed pursuant to chapter 169 who practices veterinary medicine in this state. See Iowa Code 717B.1
2. A person who knowingly, and willfully or maliciously does any of the following commits a class “D” felony:
a. Tortures a police service dog.
b. Injures, so as to disfigure or disable, a police service dog.
c. Sets a booby trap device for purposes of injuring, so as to disfigure or disable, or killing a police service dog.
d. Pays or agrees to pay a bounty for purposes of injury, so as to disfigure or disable, or killing a police service dog.
e. Kills a police service dog.
f. Administers poison to a police service dog.
3. As used in this section, “police service dog” means a dog used by a peace officer or correctional officer in the performance of the officer’s duties, whether or not the dog is on duty.
4. This section does not apply to a peace officer or veterinarian who terminates the life of such a dog for the purpose of relieving the dog of undue pain or suffering, or to a person who justifiably acts in defense of self or another.