New Legislation Could Make Harming K-9 a Felony

State Senator James Seward on Monday announced Senate passage of legislation he co-sponsored that would increase the penalty for killing or injuring a police animal.

The Senate bill has received new found attention following the shooting of an FBI K-9 (pictured at left) in Herkimer at the conclusion of a standoff with an armed gunman who had already shot six people, four fatally.

"(This legislation is) to place into law and to recognize into law tougher penalties that would come from a felony conviction for harming or killing a police dog," he said. "That would recognize the unique contributions that these animals play in providing public safety and recognizing them as full partners with other law enforcement officials."

Under current law, killing or injuring a police animal is a Class A misdemeanor. The Senate bill, which passed by unanimous vote, would increase the penalty to a Class D felony.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.