The Connecticut Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security has voted in favor of SB 123, which seeks to increase penalties for injuring or killing police and search/rescue dogs. The bill has been placed on the March 22, 2021, Senate calendar for a vote. Supportive Connecticut residents are encouraged to email their state senator in support of SB 123.
SB 123 would increase the penalty from a class D felony to a class C felony for injuring or killing:
- Police K-9s under the supervision of an officer, or
- A dog that is a member of a volunteer canine search and rescue team.
A class D felony is the least serious type of felony punishable by a state prison term of one to five years and a fine of up to $5,000. A class C felony is punishable by one to ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.
TALKING POINTS: The American Kennel Club (AKC) values the contribution that working dogs make to national security and the extraordinary role that these dogs play in protecting the peace and security of individuals, communities, and nations against extremist threats. We also honor the breeders, trainers, and handlers of these dogs, and support expanded scientific research and breeding programs to ensure that sufficient high quality domestically-bred dogs are available to ensure public safety and national security.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Supportive residents are encouraged to email their state senator in support of SB 123. You can identify your senator and get their email by clicking here and typing in your home address.
AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will provide additional information as developments warrant. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.