(1) (a) As used in this section: (i) "Handler" means the same as that term is defined in Section 76-13-209 . (ii) "Public safety animal" means the same as that term is defined in Section 76-13-209 . (iii) "Public safety organization" means the same as that term is defined in Section 76-13-209 . (b) Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5 , 76-13-101 , and 76-13-201 apply to this section. (2) An actor commits interference with a public safety animal if the actor intentionally or knowingly: (a) taunts, torments, strikes, or otherwise assaults a public safety animal; (b) throws an object or substance at, or in the path of, a public safety animal; (c) interferes with or obstructs a public safety animal, or attempts to, or interferes with the handler of the public safety animal in a manner that inhibits, restricts, or deprives the handler of control of the public safety animal; (d) releases a public safety animal from the public safety animal's area of control, including a vehicle, kennel, or pen, or trespasses in that area; or (e) places any food, object, or substance into a public safety animal's area of control without the permission of the handler. (3) A violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor. (4) In addition to any other penalty, an actor convicted of a violation of this section is liable for restitution to the owning or employing public safety organization or individual owner of the public safety animal for the replacement, training, and veterinary costs incurred as a result of the violation of this section.
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