Utah criminal charge
Allowing a vicious animal to go at large in Utah
Allowing a vicious animal to go at large is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-212. Its classification is not fixed: Utah assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-212.
What is the penalty for allowing a vicious animal to go at large in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Allowing a vicious animal to go at large — general violation — A violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor unless the exception in Subsection (3)(b) applies.) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Allowing a vicious animal to go at large — general violation — A violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor unless the exception in Subsection (3)(b) applies.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Allowing a vicious animal to go at large — death of a human being — A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the animal causes the death of a human being.; indeterminate prison term, unless the statute provides otherwise; actual release is determined by the Board of Pardons and Parole) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (Allowing a vicious animal to go at large — death of a human being — A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the animal causes the death of a human being.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
Applies to current (2026 General Session).
How is allowing a vicious animal to go at large classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allowing a vicious animal to go at large — general violation | Class B Misdemeanor | A violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor unless the exception in Subsection (3)(b) applies. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-212(3)(a) |
| Allowing a vicious animal to go at large — death of a human being | Third Degree Felony | A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the animal causes the death of a human being. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-212(3)(b) |
Common questions about allowing a vicious animal to go at large in Utah
Is allowing a vicious animal to go at large a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: allowing a vicious animal to go at large ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Third Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-212.
Allowing a vicious animal to go at large — general violation: Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-212(3)(a)) · Allowing a vicious animal to go at large — death of a human being: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-212(3)(b))
What are the penalties for allowing a vicious animal to go at large in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers allowing a vicious animal to go at large?
Allowing a vicious animal to go at large is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-212 (Allowing a vicious animal to go at large).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.