Increased Jail Time For Harming Police K-9

As an animal lover, I'm relieved to hear that the law may soon be changing for anyone that harms or kills a police K-9. Its shocking to me that it's not a much higher offense at present, but thankfully one Florida Senator agrees.

State Senator Aaron Bean has filed a bill to increase the penalty for harming police canines, fire canines and search and rescue canines, along with police horses. This is in honor of officer K-9 Fang, who was shot and killed in the line of duty with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, as reported by WPLG.

The bill which was filed last week would change harming any law enforcement canine to a second-degree felony, punishable to up to 15 years in prison, instead of 5 as it was before. If the bill passes, it will take effect on Oct. 1, 2019.