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PRINTER'S NO. 525
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
91
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY SCHREIBER, COHEN, YOUNGBLOOD, McNEILL, BROWNLEE,
THOMAS, McCARTER, GILLEN, W. KELLER, ROZZI, SAINATO, SIMS,
KINSEY AND HARHAI, FEBRUARY 17, 2015
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an
advisory committee to assist in the study of the issue of
police officer training on the use of nonlethal force against
dogs, to determine the fiscal impact of the training and to
report its findings and recommendations to the House of
Representatives.
WHEREAS, Current law states that every law enforcement
officer has the legal right and duty to protect himself or
herself and the individuals present if anyone encounters an
animal acting aggressively and believes the animal poses a
threat of imminent danger to the officer or another human being;
and
WHEREAS, Training is essential for law enforcement to
adequately protect themselves, their colleagues and the general
public; and
WHEREAS, Animal behavior experts and licensed veterinarians
are viable options to help train law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, The Humane Society and the American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offer free training to police
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departments; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
State Government Commission to establish, within 60 days of the
adoption of this resolution, an advisory committee of
approximately 25 members consisting of public officials and
experts on the issue of law enforcement training relating to the
use of nonlethal force against dogs; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission, working
with the advisory committee, conduct a thorough and
comprehensive analysis on implementing officer training which
differentiates between canine behaviors that indicate imminent
danger of attack to individuals and benign behaviors commonly
exhibited by dogs, such as barking, that do not suggest or pose
imminent danger of attack; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission, working
with the advisory committee, study the issue of police officer
training, review other State training requirements and develop
recommendations best suited for this Commonwealth; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission study
the ability of law enforcement to participate in a minimum of
three hours of nonlethal dog training; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the final report include any recommendations
to implement necessary changes in State laws, practices,
policies and procedures relating to nonlethal force against dogs
for all law enforcement; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission issue a
report to the House of Representatives with its findings and
recommendations not later than one year after the adoption of
this resolution.
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