Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(a) Offense defined.--A person commits an offense if, while engaging in an act prohibited under section 5104 (relating to resisting arrest or other law enforcement), 5104.1 (relating to disarming law enforcement officer) or 5104.2 (relating to evading arrest or detention on foot) or 75 Pa.C.S. § 3733 (relating to fleeing or attempting to elude police officer), the person harms a police animal as defined in section 5531 (relating to definitions).
(b) Grading.--An offense under this section is:
(1) A felony of the third degree if the police animal suffers death or serious bodily injury.
(2) A misdemeanor of the second degree if the police animal suffers bodily injury.
(c) Restitution.--In a case in which a defendant is convicted of a violation under subsection (a), the defendant shall be ordered to make restitution to the agency or individual owning the animal for veterinary bills, for replacement costs of the animal if it is disabled or killed and for the salary of the animal's handler for the period of time the handler's services are lost to the agency.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Pennsylvania Statutes Title 18 Pa.C.S.A. Crimes and Offenses § 5104.3. Harming a police animal while evading arrest or detention - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-18-pacsa-crimes-and-offenses/pa-csa-sect-18-5104-3/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)