Kansas legislators have passed a bill on Tuesday, Apr. 2, aimed at imposing stricter penalties for individuals who harm or kill police dogs, police horses, search-and-rescue dogs, arson dogs, or game warden’s canines.
Several weeks have passed since the introduction of House Bill 2583 to the Kansas House for debate. This bill has now received approval following the tragic death of Bane, a Belgian Malinois K-9. Bane lost his life a few months ago while in pursuit of a suspect who had taken refuge in a storm drain. It was reported that the suspect strangled the K-9 to death.
Senate approves bill to increase the penalty for killing police dogs
The proposed bill, as reported by AP News, has garnered an overwhelming 115-6 vote. The final step now is for Democratic Governor Laura Kelly to provide her signature and transform it into law.
If the proposed bill is passed, individuals who harm or kill a police animal for the first time will be sentenced to more than three years in prison. Additionally, those who kill a K-9 while evading law enforcement will face up to five years of imprisonment. Moreover, anyone found guilty of violating this law will be subject to a fine of up to $10,000.
Currently, the law stipulates that the killing of a Kansas police dog is punishable by a one-year prison sentence and a fine ranging from $500 to $5,000. However, there are no specific penalties outlined for the killing of police horses.
House Speaker Dan Hawkins, who has been leading the charge in support of the bill, expressed his strong views on the matter. He emphasized the significant investment of time and resources in training these animals. According to Hawkins, it is crucial to impose severe penalties for killing them.
Hawkins expressed his satisfaction when the bill received a majority of the votes on Tuesday, in tribute to their fallen K-9 Bane. According to The Wichita Eagle, Hawkins stated, “When I found out that the penalties for hurting or killing a police dog were so minimal, I knew we needed to improve the treatment of these heroic animals.” He further added, “Police service dogs, like K-9 Bane, are integral members of the police department and truly serve as partners to their officer/handler.”
Kansas Prepares to Toughen Penalty for Killing Police Dogs
