Chapter 555 Oregon Laws 2009

AN ACT

HB 2629

Relating to crimes involving animals; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 167.337 and 167.339.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. ORS 167.337 is amended to read:

          167.337. (1) A person commits the crime of interfering with a law enforcement animal if the person intentionally or knowingly injures or attempts to injure an animal the person knows or reasonably should know is a law enforcement animal while the law enforcement animal is being used in the lawful discharge of its duty.

          (2) Interfering with a law enforcement animal is a Class A misdemeanor.

(3) When a person is convicted of interfering with a law enforcement animal, in addition to any other sentence the court may impose, the court shall impose a fine in the amount of $500.

SECTION 2. ORS 167.339 is amended to read:

          167.339. (1) A person commits the crime of assaulting a law enforcement animal if:

          (a) The person knowingly causes serious physical injury to or the death of a law enforcement animal, knowing that the animal is a law enforcement animal; and

          (b) The injury or death occurs while the law enforcement animal is being used in the lawful discharge of the animal’s duties.

          (2) Assaulting a law enforcement animal is a Class C felony.

(3) When a person is convicted of assaulting a law enforcement animal, in addition to any other sentence the court may impose, the court shall impose a fine in the amount of $1,000.

SECTION 3. The amendments to ORS 167.337 and 167.339 by sections 1 and 2 of this 2009 Act apply to conduct occurring on or after the effective date of this 2009 Act.

Approved by the Governor June 25, 2009

Filed in the office of Secretary of State June 25, 2009

Effective date January 1, 2010

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