The AKC calls on lawmakers to agree on two bills aimed at protecting police K-9s. The bills seek restitution and stiffer penalties for harming police dogs.IMAGE: Pexels
SB 339 requires restitution by anyone that injures or kills a police K-9 or volunteer search and rescue dog. Under the current law, intentionally injuring on-duty police K-9s is a class D felony. SB 339 would make the person responsible for paying veterinary costs and expenses for a replacement dog if the current one can no longer perform its duties. The bill was sent back to the Judiciary Committee by the Connecticut General Assembly for further consideration in mid-April.
SB 427 seeks to:
· Increase the penalty for intentionally injuring a police K-9 or dog in a volunteer K-9 search and rescue team
· Establish a penalty for annoying, teasing, tormenting, or harassing any police K-9 confined in a motor vehicle
· Allow emergency medical services personnel to provide emergency treatment and transportation to an injured police K-9 under certain circumstances
· Establish a grant program to provide K-9 officers with body armor
SB 427 has already received a favorable Judiciary Committee vote and sits on the Senate calendar.
AKC encourages Connecticut residents to electronically register their support for both bills by using this form to identify and contact your member of the Connecticut State Senate. In the subject line, insert “Support SB 339 and SB 427 Protecting Police and Working K9s”.
