South Carolina lawmakers are considering tougher penalties for people who kill police animals, as the deaths of law enforcement dogs are becoming more frequent. Last year, six law enforcement dogs across the state lost their lives. Currently, a person convicted of killing a law enforcement dog or horse could face up to five years in prison, but law enforcement officials believe this is not enough.
The proposed bill would double the penalties for killing a police animal, imposing a mandatory two-to-10-year prison sentence for those convicted of torturing, mutilating, or killing a law enforcement dog or horse. Those who taunt, torment, or beat a police animal could also face up to five years in prison. The bill has gained support from sheriffs, police chiefs, and other law enforcement officials, who emphasized the importance of these animals in their line of work.
The bill has received its first two approvals and will now await a debate on the Senate floor. Law enforcement officials hope that the increased penalties will send a message that these animals’ lives are valuable and deserve legal protection.
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