Skip to main content
US Criminal Defense.org
Menu

Utah statute

Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-212 — Allowing a vicious animal to go at large.

Current through 2026 General Session

Part of Part 2: Cruelty to Animal Offenses, Utah Code.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-212

Statutory text current through the 2026 General Session. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Utah.

Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-212Primary source, current through the 2026 General Session
(1) Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5, 76-13-101, and 76-13-201 apply to this section. (2) An actor commits allowing a vicious animal to go at large if: (2)(a) the actor is an owner of a vicious animal, knowing the animal's propensities, and: (2)(a)(i) willfully allows the animal to go at large; or (2)(a)(ii) keeps the animal without ordinary care; and (2)(b) the animal, while at large, or while not kept with ordinary care, causes injury to or the death of another animal or a human being who has taken reasonable precautions under the circumstances. (3)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor. (3)(b) A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the animal causes the death of a human being.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

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))

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).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.