Section 35-46-3-11.3 - Cruelty to a search and rescue dog(a) As used in this section, "search and rescue dog" means a dog that receives special training to locate or attempt to locate by air scent or ground or water tracking a person who is an offender or is lost, trapped, injured, or incapacitated.(b) A person who knowingly or intentionally:(1) interferes with the actions of a search and rescue dog while the dog is performing or is attempting to perform a search and rescue task; or(2) strikes, torments, injures, or otherwise mistreats a search and rescue dog; commits a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) An offense under subsection (b)(2) is a Level 6 felony if the act results in: (1) serious permanent disfigurement;(3) permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ; or(4) death; of the search and rescue dog.
(d) It is a defense that the accused person: (1) engaged in a reasonable act of training, handling, or disciplining the search and rescue dog; or(2) reasonably believed the conduct was necessary to prevent injury to the accused person or another person.(e) In addition to any sentence or fine imposed for a conviction of an offense under this section, the court may order the person to make restitution to the person who owns the search and rescue dog for reimbursement of:(1) veterinary bills; and(2) replacement costs of the dog if the dog is disabled or killed.Amended by P.L. 158-2013, SEC. 564, eff. 7/1/2014.As added by P.L. 9-2003, SEC.3.