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This session, I co-authored legislation that would increase the penalty for killing a police K-9 and other law enforcement animals risking their lives in the line of duty. These K-9s are vital for police officers who work tirelessly to protect our community. Not only do they serve alongside their handlers, but they also fearlessly pursue suspects and take on dangerous tasks. House Bill 1306 would raise the penalty for killing a police K-9 from a Level 6 to a Level 5 felony, carrying a sentence of between 1 to 6 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. This legislation is inspired by the 2019 killing of Harlej, a K-9 with the Fishers Police Department shot by a fleeing suspect. With the current maximum sentence for the crime standing at six months, the penalty is too low and criminals who take the lives of police K-9s like Harlej need to face stiffer penalties. |
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Our law enforcement officers work hard every day and put their lives on the line to serve communities across Indiana. I’m committed to supporting our police in their mission to help Hoosiers, and will continue to back the blue now and in the future.
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