IL HB4039

Removes the "and maliciously" requirement from Section 4.03, making it unlawful to willfully taunt, torment, tease, beat, strike, or administer desensitizing drugs to police animals, service animals, accelerant detection dogs, or search and rescue dogs.

Removes the "and maliciously" requirement from Section 4.04, making it unlawful to willfully torture, mutilate, injure, disable, poison, or kill the same categories of animals protected under Section 4.03.

Violation of Section 4.03 is a Class A misdemeanor for first offense and a Class 4 felony for second or subsequent violations.

Violation of Section 4.04 is a Class 4 felony if the animal is not killed or totally disabled, and a Class 3 felony if the animal is killed or totally disabled.

Permits police officers or veterinarians to perform euthanasia in emergency situations when delay would cause the animal undue suffering and pain.