Police service animals are a valuable part of the police force in Muskogee, Oklahoma. In some senses, they are an extension of law enforcement and Oklahoma law protects them. Harming a police service animal could get you into trouble.
In Oklahoma, it is unlawful to harm or interfere with a police service animal. Here are some things that you should know about the treatment of police service animals in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Harming or Interfering With a Service Animal Defined
In Oklahoma, it is against the law to willfully hurt a service animal. This includes striking, hitting, tormenting, administering a non-poisonous desensitizing agent, or otherwise mistreating a police service animal. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 649.1
Police service animals are usually dogs and horses. Likewise, it is against the law to willfully interfere with such an animal while that animal is performing its duties.
To do so is normally treated as a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500, up to a year in the county jail, or both. In addition, if convicted, a defendant must pay restitution to the agency which employed the animal.
However, if the harm or interference occurred knowingly and willfully and without cause or justification during the commission of a misdemeanor or a felony, then the crime is treated as a felony, punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, and restitution.
Like all crimes in Oklahoma, this crime has elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in order to obtain a conviction. If any element is left unproven, the defendant will go free.
Here are the elements that must be proven:
- willfully;
- striking, tormenting, administering a nonpoisonous desensitizing substance to, mistreating, or interfering with the lawful performance of;
- a police dog or horse;
- owned or used by;
- a law enforcement agency or another office of the State. OUJI-CR 7-4
Killing a Police Service Animal is a Serious Crime in Oklahoma
Willfully killing, beating, torturing or taking any action that could cause injury, disable, or kill a police service animal is against the law in Oklahoma. Paying someone else to do so also is illegal. It is a misdemeanor to do so, and is punishable by a jail term of up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, and restitution.
However, if the injury or death occurs during the commission of a misdemeanor or felony, and is done knowingly and willfully and without lawful cause or justification, the crime becomes a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, and restitution.
This statute does not apply to situations in which the police service animal’s life is ended to relieve pain and suffering. It also does not apply if a police dog is running loose, is off duty without supervision, and is either hit by a car or is perceived to be a threat to the public. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 649.2
It is Illegal to Harm Handicapped Service Animals
Likewise, it is against the law to harm, injure, beat, mistreat, or kill a service animal that is used for the benefit of any handicapped person in Oklahoma. This crime also may be treated as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances, with similar punishments. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 649.3
Service animals can include animals trained for the purpose of guiding or assisting a disabled person who has a sensory, mental, or physical impairment.
If you have questions or concerns for yourself or a loved one, it is important to bring these concerns to an experienced Muskogee criminal lawyer.
Low-cost Consultation: Muskogee Defense Attorney
We are here to help you. The capable, experienced Muskogee criminal defense attorneys at the Wirth Law Office will carefully explain the process and alternatives you face, and are willing and able to explore all possible defenses and fight all out for you. Get the help you need.
Call an experienced Muskogee criminal offense attorney today at 918-913-0725 or toll free at 1-888-Wirth-Law (1-888-947-8452).
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