Kansas could well increase the criminal penalties for harming law enforcement dogs after House action Wednesday.
The House overwhelmingly passed Bane’s Law, named after Sedgwick County K-9 Bane, who was killed in the line of duty this past November. All Representatives serving Lyon County — 60th District’s Mark Schreiber of Emporia, 13th District’s Duane Droge of Eureka and 76th District’s Eric Smith of Burlington — were part of the 107-4 majority.
Current law has anybody convicted of harming or killing a law enforcement dog serving 30 days to a year in prison with a maximum $5,000 fine also possible. Bane’s Law, also listed as House Bill 2583, sets a 90-day minimum penalty and a minimum fine of $10,000. It also adds a restitution option. On top of those items, the bill also makes harming or killing a law enforcement dog a Level 3 or Level 4 nonperson felony, with Level 3 status coming if injury or death happens while a suspect is fleeing from law enforcement.
The Kansas Senate now takes up discussion.
