Emergency euthanization; defenses.

(a) This article does not prohibit a credentialed euthanasia technician, an authorized handler, or a veterinarian from euthanizing a police animal or search and rescue animal in an emergency if the animal is critically wounded and would otherwise endure undue suffering and pain.

(b) It is a defense that the accused person, acting as handler or as an employee or agent of the handler or employing agency, engaged in a reasonable act of training, handling, or discipline of the animal or reasonably believed the violating conduct was necessary to prevent serious physical harm or death of another person.

(Act 2013-421, p. 1677, §5.)