K9
2024: Removing Dogs from Policing
Goal
Eliminate the use of K9 units and limit penalties for self defense in response to police dogs.
Opposition Testimony - CO HB 1074
Testimony opposing Colorado House Bill 1074, a bill that would result in harsh penalties for individuals simply trying to defend themselves against violent police dog attacks.
Opposition Testimony - MO SB 754
Testimony opposing Missouri Senate Bill 754, a bill that would result in harsh penalties for individuals simply trying to defend themselves against violent police dog attacks.
California AB 742
This bill would prohibit the use of an unleashed police canine by law enforcement to apprehend a person, and any use of a police canine for crowd control. The bill would prohibit law enforcement agencies from authorizing any use or training of a police canine that is inconsistent with this bill.
Washington HB1635
Law enforcement agency, or any employee of a state or local government or law enforcement agency is immune from civil damages arising from the
use of a canine to detect fentanyl.
New York A5558
Increases penalty for killing police dog or horse to Class D felony.
Missouri SB 754/HB1719
Under current law, the offense of assault on a law enforcement animal is a Class C misdemeanor. This act provides that the offense of assault on a law enforcement animal is a Class A misdemeanor, if the law enforcement animal is not injured to the point of requiring veterinary care or treatment; a Class E felony if the law enforcement animal is seriously injured to the point of requiring veterinary care or treatment; and a Class D felony if the assault results in the death of such animal.
Colorado HB 1074
Aggravated felony for harming law enforcement animal.
A Case for Eliminating Police K9 Units
We must end the practice of using dogs in policing. At the very least, we must stop (1) training dogs tasked with bomb sniffing and search and rescue missions to bite; (2) using dogs for drug enforcement, arrest and apprehension, and cell extraction; and (3) criminalizing the natural human instinct to resist a dog attack. Every level of government can act on ending the use of dogs in policing or, in the alternative, restricting their use.