Kansas Legislators Fight for Tougher Punishment for Those Who Harm Police Dogs
Lawmakers in at least six states are considering longer prison sentences or bigger fines for harming or killing police dogs. The proposal has some bipartisan support, but some detractors question how the animals are used in marginalized communities.
In Kansas on Wednesday, the House voted 107-4 to pass a bill to allow judges to sentence first-time offenders to five years in prison and mandate a fine of at least $10,000 for killing dogs and police horses used by police, search and rescue teams, arson investigators, and game wardens.
Colorado, Missouri, West Virginia, Hawaii, and South Carolina are all trying to pass bills that would have larger fines and longer prison sentences to those who harm or kill police dogs.
WOWKTV reports, in Missouri, Black lawmakers have raised concerns about the legislation, suggesting it could be too broadly applied.
“Historically, police animals have been used to affect and, quite frankly, harass marginalized communities,” Democratic Rep. LaKeySha Bosley of St. Louis said during Monday’s debate.
Related: North Carolina Police Department Puts Ailing K9 in Shelter Instead of Letting Him Retire
The final vote in the Missouri House will determine whether the bill goes on to the Senate. The measures in Colorado and Kansas went to their senates.
Why Supporters Argue That Their Need To Be Tougher Measures For Those Who Harm Police Dogs
The US Department of Justice reports that the total average cost of a successful canine police program is $55,672.42.
Not only do these incredible dogs have to be trained for drug detection, but how to perform search and rescue and how to help apprehend criminals.
Police dogs able to search through rubble after a devastating explosion, earthquake, or other disaster. They find people lost in avalanches. These dogs search for explosives and illegal drugs, they canvas large events to look for explosives, and help search civilian vehicles that have been pulled over.
Basic training for the patrol dogs takes approximately 4 months of full-time work, sometimes longer.
In addition to that, these amazing pups are like family both to the officers who work with them and their relatives.
It's hard for the majority of us to fathom anyone harming or killing a dog, and I can't imagine the sorrow an officer goes through when their K9 partner is harmed while protecting them.
These dogs are such important members of the community who work tirelessly to keep people safe. Enforcing stricter penalties towards those who kill or harm them is the least we can do in showing them the respect they deserve.
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