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Seriously Harming A Police Animal Made A Felony
Sherry Morse and Patricia Collier
Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon recently signed into law a bill that makes seriously injuring or killing a police or search and rescue animal intentionally a Class D felony punishable by imprisonment for as many as three years and a fine of as much as $10,000.
Such crimes had been Class A misdemeanors punishable by imprisonment for as many as 12 months and fines of as much as $5,000.
"The main purpose (of the new law) is to act as a deterrent, and then it's got the side benefit of honoring the animals that save police officers' lives in Indiana," said Representative Scott Reske (D-Pendleton), who sponsored the bill. "It (also) makes it easy for a prosecutor to clearly define what the crime is."
Judges may require individuals convicted of violating the new law to make restitution for medical and boarding expenses and/or the loss of an animal.
"Police dogs are often called upon to do very dangerous work," said animal advocate Lewis Brody. "I hope this law will make criminals think twice before attempting to harm one of them."
Related Links:
Police Dog Foundation Inc.
http://policedogfoundation.org/
National Police Force Academy
http://www.policehorses.org/
This News Report has been provided by the
Animal News Center, Inc. ©2003
Animal News Center, Inc. http://www.anc.org
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