Illinois Code § 4.03

Illinois Code § 4.03. Reproduced from the official Illinois Compiled Statutes, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 4.03.

Teasing, striking or tampering with police animals, service animals, accelerant detection dogs, or search and rescue dogs prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully and maliciously taunt, torment, tease, beat, strike, or administer or subject any desensitizing drugs, chemicals, or substance to (i) any animal used by a law enforcement officer in the performance of his or her functions or duties, or when placed in confinement off duty, (ii) any service animal, (iii) any search and rescue dog, (iv) any police, service, or search and rescue animal in training, or (v) any accelerant detection canine used by a fire officer for arson investigations in the performance of his or her functions or while off duty. It is unlawful for any person to interfere or meddle with (i) any animal used by a law enforcement department or agency or any handler thereof in the performance of the functions or duties of the department or agency, (ii) any service animal, (iii) any search and rescue dog, (iv) any law enforcement, service, or search and rescue animal in training, or (v) any accelerant detection canine used by a fire officer for arson investigations in the performance of his or her functions or while off duty. Any person convicted of violating this Section is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation is a Class 4 felony. (Source: P.A. 96-1171, eff. 7-22-10.)

Source: official Illinois text · Last verified 2026-08-27

At a glance

  • Citation: Illinois Compiled Statutes § 4.03
  • Jurisdiction: Illinois
  • Code: Illinois Compiled Statutes
  • Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)

Verify the text

Statute text is transcribed from the official Illinois Compiled Statutes. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Illinois attorney.

Common questions

What is the source of Illinois Compiled Statutes § 4.03?

The text above is transcribed from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the codified statutes of Illinois. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.

What subject does Illinois Compiled Statutes § 4.03 address?

It addresses the rule set out in the section text. Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

Is Illinois Compiled Statutes § 4.03 still in force?

Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Illinois source before relying on this text.

Can this page be used as legal advice?

No. This is a reference transcription for research. Applying Illinois law to your facts requires a licensed Illinois attorney who can review the specifics.