Kansas House Considers Tougher Penalties for Injuring or Killing Police Dogs or Horses
The Kansas House is currently reviewing a bill that aims to increase the jail sentence and financial penalty for individuals who injure or kill a police dog or horse. The bill seeks to address the severity of these crimes and ensure that those responsible face appropriate consequences. As part of the legislative process, KBI canine handlers showcased the impressive skills of their trained dogs, specifically highlighting their ability to detect the dangerous substance fentanyl. This demonstration serves as a reminder of the crucial role these animals play in law enforcement and the importance of protecting them from harm.
A robbery and domestic violence suspect, who was cornered after a foot chase by Wichita law enforcement officers, was subdued by a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department deputy who ordered Bane into a drainage pipe.
“Bane fearlessly entered the tunnel,” revealed Brooks, who had been working closely with the dog since 2022. According to Brooks, the area Bane was dispatched to would have posed significant risks for deputies attempting to search it alone.”
Kansas House members have been intrigued by the consequences of a recent incident, which has led to discussions about potential enhancements in penalties for individuals who cause harm or kill law enforcement dogs or police horses. House Bill 2583, which received preliminary approval from the House on Tuesday, proposes that such actions be classified as felonies. Offenders would face a minimum of 90 days in jail and a fine of $10,000, depending on the specific circumstances.
The current Kansas statute mandates a minimum of 30 days in jail and a fine exceeding $500 but not exceeding $5,000. However, the proposed change would result in an increase in these penalties.
The House bill proposes that those who harm or kill a police horse or dog will be held accountable by providing restitution to the law enforcement agency. Law enforcement officials estimate that a trained dog alone can cost up to $18,000. Restitution would cover expenses such as veterinary medical treatment for injured animals, as well as funeral and burial costs for animals that have passed away.
Rep. Adam Turk, a Shawnee Republican who has experienced military deployments and has had interactions with military canines, presented the bill on the House floor. According to him, working dogs hold a special place in the hearts of their handlers, as they are considered not just tools but also valued members of their families.
According to Turk, the significance of these animals in ensuring the safety and security of the people beside him cannot be overstated. Day after day, these dogs were instrumental in keeping him safe. Turk firmly believes that these animals were more than just mere creatures; they were his trusted protectors.
The bill received bipartisan support and was advanced through a voice vote. Final action on the bill is expected to take place on Wednesday. Both Republican and Democratic members expressed criticism of the legislation, although their reasons differed substantively.
According to Rep. Trevor Jacobs, a Republican from Fort Scott, prioritizing legislation regarding dogs and horses should not take precedence over bills aimed at discouraging abortion. While he expressed no opposition to the law enforcement bill, he expressed frustration that several pro-life bills intended to protect the unborn were being neglected in the House.
Jacobs expressed his frustration, stating, “I believe that we should prioritize the protection of babies in the womb over dogs and horses at this time.”
According to Representative Ford Carr, a Democrat from Wichita, the House’s proposal to increase jail sentences and impose heavier fines for those found guilty of harming police dogs and horses fails to acknowledge the troubling history of law enforcement using dogs to intimidate and harm Black individuals in the United States.
“I have to say, police dogs and individuals like myself have a long and complicated past,” Carr shared with his fellow House members. “Whenever I think about German shepherds, I can’t help but picture how law enforcement would unleash these dogs on people who resembled me, simply because they were peacefully protesting.”
Ford criticized the House bill, calling it a knee-jerk reaction to the death of the Wichita K-9. He argued that legislators were operating blindly in their decision-making process.
He proposed a scenario where legislators could benefit from experiencing a situation where they find themselves in a drainage pipe with a police dog approaching.
Ford expressed his thoughts on the matter, questioning the expectations people have in such situations. He emphasized that nobody present would passively watch as an animal attacked someone.