1Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an
2advisory committee to assist in the study of whether or not
3the Pennsylvania State Police and other law enforcement
4agencies should receive training on the use of nonlethal
5force against dogs; to determine whether implementing
6policies and procedures pertaining to nonlethal force is
7appropriate; to determine the fiscal impact of the training;
8and to report to the House of Representatives with its
9findings and recommendations.

10WHEREAS, Current law states that every law enforcement
11officer has the legal right and duty to protect himself or
12herself and the individuals present, if anyone encounters an
13animal acting aggressively and believes the animal poses a
14threat of imminent danger to the officer or another human being;
15and

16WHEREAS, Training is essential for law enforcement to
17adequately protect themselves, their colleagues and the general
18public; and

19WHEREAS, Animal behavior experts and licensed veterinarians
20are viable options to help train law enforcement; and

21WHEREAS, The Humane Society and the American Society for the

1Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offer free training to police
2departments; therefore be it

3RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
4State Government Commission to establish, within 60 days of the
5adoption of this resolution, an advisory committee of
6approximately 25 members consisting of public officials and
7experts on the issue of law enforcement training relating to the
8use of nonlethal force against dogs; and be it further

9RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission, working
10with the advisory committee, conduct a thorough and
11comprehensive analysis on officer training which differentiates
12between canine behaviors that indicate imminent danger of attack
13to individuals and benign behaviors commonly exhibited by dogs,
14such as barking, that do not suggest or pose imminent danger of
15attack; and be it further

16RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission, working
17with the advisory committee, study the issue of police officer
18training, review other State training requirements and develop
19recommendations best suited for this Commonwealth; and be it
20further

21RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission study
22the ability for law enforcement to participate in a minimum of
23three hours of nonlethal dog training; and be it further

24RESOLVED, That the final report include any recommendations
25to implement necessary changes in State laws, practices,
26policies and procedures relating to nonlethal force against
27animals for all law enforcement; and be it further

28RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission issue a
29report to the House of Representatives with its findings and
30recommendations not later than one year after the adoption of

1this resolution.