Posted: | February 5, 2014 12:48 PM |
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From: | Representative John Maher |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Re: Maher co-sponsor police animal penalty |
Sometimes a particular tragedy highlights a shortcoming in the anti-cruelty laws. The recent stabbing death of K-9 Officer Rocco while performing his duties has generated considerable discussion regarding the appropriate penalties for harmful acts committed against police animals. Currently, torturing and killing a police dog involves the same penalties as merely taunting a police dog. I believe a higher criminal penalty should apply when a police dog is willfully or maliciously tortured, mutilated, injured, disabled, poisoned or killed. I plan to introduce legislation which will elevate the penalty for these actions to a felony of the second degree, which carries with it a maximum $25,000 fine and maximum of 10 years in jail. Please consider joining me as a co-sponsor. Should you have any questions, please contact Shelly Weaver at sweaver@pahousegop.com or call 717-783-1522. |
Introduced as HB2026