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14 February 2024
TOPEKA (KSNT) – A bill known as ‘Bane’s Law’ that imposes harsher punishments for harming police dogs is now moving to the Senate.
The law increases penalties for those who kill or permanently disable police animals.
The bill was drafted in response to the killing of a Sedgwick County police dog named Bane. The K-9 chased an armed suspect into a storm drain where he was beaten and ultimately killed.
“When I learned the penalties for harming or killing a police dog were so minimal, I knew we needed to do better for these heroic animals,” Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins said. “Police service dogs, like K-9 Bane, are members of the police department and truly serve as a partner to their officer/handler. I’m proud to have been a part of making this important law a reality to protect the law enforcement animals who serve Kansans every day.”
The new law triples the minimum amount of time served. It sets a 90-day minimum penalty and enacts a minimum fine of $10,000 with an option for restitution. The law also raises the penalty to a Level 3 or 4 nonperson felony. Level 3 felony charges will happen if a K-9 is injured or killed while the individual is fleeing from police.
The bill will now head to the Senate for a vote.
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