Search and rescue dogs are referred to as SAR dogs in Florida.
Search and rescue (SAR) dogs used in the state of Florida are legally addressed and identified by Florida Statutes 843.19. SAR dogs are those owned or utilized by law enforcement, fire departments, fire districts or the state fire marshal for the purpose of assisting the agencies with the detection of missing persons. They may be called upon at times of naturally occurring or man-made disasters.
Third-degree Felony
A person who intentionally or knowingly uses a firearm against, harms, causes permanent disability or death to a SAR dog has committed a felony in the third degree. Felony crimes of this type are identified by the state of Florida legislature as being capitol offenses. For those who are charged as guilty, punishment can include a prison sentence of not more than five years and fines of $5,000 per charge. Punishment increases for this crime if the person convicted has an existing Florida state criminal record.
First-degree Misdemeanor
Anyone found to be actually touching, striking or causing bodily harm to a SAR dog in a malicious fashion is considered to have committed a misdemeanor in the first degree. Under Florida law a misdemeanor of this type is punishable by a prison term of less than one year and a fine of $1,000 per charge.
Second-degree Misdemeanor
Persons found to have intentionally harassed, teased, interfered with or have attempted interference with a SAR dog can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. Florida law stipulates punishment for this crime to be imprisonment for less than 60 days. A fine of $500 is applicable for each charge.
Restitution
Any person convicted of a misdemeanor or felony against a SAR dog, in addition to the prison sentences and fines that are assigned, must pay restitution for the SAR dog. Restitution is defined by the state of Florida as payment for treatment of injuries or the replacement cost of the SAR dog should the injuries or death prohibit the dog from returning to the work for which it was trained.
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