New York Laws
Article 7 - Licensing, Identification and Control of Dogs
108 - Definitions.

(b) "Dangerous dog" does not include a police work dog, as defined in
subdivision eighteen of this section, which acts in the manner described
in this paragraph while such police work dog is being used to assist one
or more law enforcement officers in the performance of their official
duties.
25. "Working search dog" means any dog that is trained to aid in the
search for missing persons and is actually used for such purpose.
26. "Therapy dog" means any dog that is trained to aid the emotional
and physical health of patients in hospitals, nursing homes, retirement
homes and other settings and is actually used for such purpose, or any
dog during the period such dog is being trained or bred for such
purpose, and does not qualify under federal or state law or regulations
as a service dog.
27. "Detection dog" means any dog that is trained and is actually used
for such purposes or is undergoing training to be used for the purpose
of detecting controlled substances, explosives, ignitable liquids,
firearms, cadavers, or school or correctional facility contraband.
28. "Physical injury" means impairment of physical condition or
substantial pain.
29. "Serious physical injury" means physical injury which creates a
substantial risk of death, or which causes death or serious or
protracted disfigurement, protracted impairment of health or protracted
loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ.