(photo) Sen. Seminara supports bill to impose new costs on those who intentionally hurt or kill K-9s

For Immediate Release

Sen. Seminara supports bill to impose new costs on those who intentionally hurt or kill K-9s

Sen. Lisa Seminara today applauded the state Senate’s unanimous passage of legislation which seeks to impose new costs and penalties on individuals who intentionally hurt or kill K-9s.

The bill is named in honor of Connecticut State Police K9 Broko who was killed in the line of duty in December.

“Broko’s heroic act of saving his partner’s life highlighted the importance of protecting these brave animals and the need for legislation to support their well-being,” Sen. Seminara said. “This unanimous vote shows that we stand united in supporting both our human and animal officers who are trained to protect us.”

Under the current law, anyone who intentionally kills an on-duty canine could be charged with the equivalent of a Class C felony and face up to a $10,000 fine and/or 10 years in prison.  Anyone who intentionally injures the on-duty canine could be charged with a Class D felony and face up to five years in prison.

The proposed legislation would also require restitution be paid to towns or cities, law enforcement agencies, or owners when a police animal or volunteer search and rescue dog is hurt or killed.  The restitution may include paying for veterinary care or the cost of training a replacement animal.

The restitution would help municipalities carry on their K9 programs even if the dog they have already paid to train and care for were killed.

The bill now awaits a vote in the House of Representatives.