Harming animals used in law enforcement
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
(a) Whoever and harms any police animal, or or to do so, shall be and imprisoned not more than 1 year. If the offense permanently disables or disfigures the animal, or causes to or the death of the animal, the maximum term of imprisonment shall be 10 years.
(b)
In this section, the term "police animal" means a dog or horse employed by a Federal agency (whether in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch) for the principal purpose of aiding in the detection of criminal activity, enforcement of laws, or apprehension of criminal offenders.
History: (Added Pub. L. 106–254, §2(a), Aug. 2, 2000, 114 Stat. 638; amended Pub. L. 107–273, div. B, title IV, §4003(a)(4), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1811.)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime to willfully and maliciously harm a police dog or horse used by a federal agency. Trying or planning with others to do so is also a crime.