In New York law, Article 242 refers to offenses against service animals and handlers. If you have been charged with such an offense, you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
The complete law is as follows:
Article 242: Offenses against service animals and handlers
242.00 Definitions.
242.05 Interference, harassment or intimidation of a service animal.
242.10 Harming a service animal in the second degree.
242.15 Harming a service animal in the first degree.
NY PENAL LAW § 242.00
Definitions.
For purposes of this article:
1. “Service animal” shall mean any animal that has been partnered with a person who has a disability and has been trained or is being trained, by a qualified person, to aid or guide a person with a disability.
2. “Disability” shall have the same meaning as provided in section two hundred ninety-two of the executive law.
3. “Handler” shall mean a disabled person using a service animal.
4. “Formal training program” or “certified trainer” shall mean an institution, group or individual who has documentation and community recognition as a provider of service animals.
NY PENAL LAW § 242.05
Interference, harassment or intimidation of a service animal.
A person is guilty of interference, harassment or intimidation of a service animal when he or she commits an act with intent to and which does make it impractical, dangerous or impossible for a service animal to perform its assigned responsibilities of assisting a person with a disability.
Interference, harassment or intimidation of a service animal is a class B misdemeanor.
NY PENAL LAW § 242.10
Harming a service animal in the second degree.
A person is guilty of harming a service animal in the second degree when, with the intent to do so, he or she causes physical injury, or causes such injury that results in the death, of a service animal.
Harming a service animal in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor.
NY PENAL LAW § 242.15
Harming a service animal in the first degree.
A person is guilty of harming a service animal in the first degree when, he or she commits the crime of harming a service animal in the second degree, and has been convicted of harming a service animal in the first or second degree within the prior five years.
Harming a service animal in the first degree is a class E felony.
