Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 525.200 – Assault on a service animal in the first degree -- Definition.

(1) A person is guilty of assault on a service animal in the first degree when, without legal justification or lawful authority:
1. (a) He or she intentionally kills or causes serious physical injury to a service animal;
2. (b) He or she intentionally causes physical injury to a service animal by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument; or
3. (c) He or she wantonly causes serious physical injury to a service animal by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
(2) For the purposes of this section, "service animal" has the same meaning as in KRS 525.010, except that "service animal" does not include assistance dogs as in KRS 525.010(6)(i).
(3) Assault on a service animal in the first degree is a Class D felony.

Effective: June 29, 2023

History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 29, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2017. -- Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 419, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1998.