(a) No person shall knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm to a police dog or horse in either of the following circumstances:
(1) The police dog or horse is assisting a law enforcement officer in the performance of the officer's official duties at the time the physical harm is caused or attempted.
(2) The police dog or horse is not assisting a law enforcement officer in the performance of the officer's official duties at the time the physical harm is caused or attempted, but the offender has actual knowledge that the dog or horse is a police dog or horse.
(b) No person shall knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm to a handicapped assistance dog in either of the following circumstances:
(1) The handicapped assistance dog is assisting a blind, deaf or mobility impaired person at the time the physical harm is caused or attempted.
(2) The handicapped assistance dog is not assisting a blind, deaf or mobility impaired person at the time the physical harm is caused or attempted, but the offender has actual knowledge that the dog is a handicapped assistance dog.
(c) Whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of assaulting a police dog or horse, a misdemeanor of the second degree. If the violation results in physical harm to the police dog or horse other than death or serious physical harm, assaulting a police dog or horse is a misdemeanor of the first degree. The penalty shall be as provided in Section 698.02.
(d) Whoever violates subsection (b) hereof is guilty of assaulting a handicapped assistance dog, a misdemeanor of the second degree. If the violation results in physical harm to the dog, other than death or serious physical harm, assaulting a handicapped assistance dog is a misdemeanor of the first degree. The penalty shall be as provided in Section 698.02.
(e) This section does not apply to a licensed veterinarian whose conduct is in accordance with Ohio R.C. Chapter 4741.
(f) As used in this section:
(1) “Blind” and “mobility impaired person” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 955.011.
(2) “Handicapped assistance dog” means a dog that serves as a guide or leader for a blind person or as a listener for a deaf person or that provides support or assistance for a mobility impaired person.
(3) “Physical harm” means any injury, illness or other physiological impairment, regardless of its gravity or duration.
(4) “Police dog or horse” means a dog or horse that has been trained, and may be used, to assist law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties.
(5) “Serious physical harm” means any of the following:
A. Any physical harm that carries a substantial risk of death;
B. Any physical harm that causes permanent maiming or that involves some temporary, substantial maiming;
C. Any physical harm that causes acute pain of a duration that results in substantial suffering. (ORC 2921.321)