CT Rep. Camillo Testifies Regarding Bill on Police Animals

From the Connecticut General Assembly: State Representative Fred Camillo (R-151) testified before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security on behalf of his bill, H.B. No. 6715, An Act Increasing the Penalties for the Intentional Injury or Killing of Police Animals or Dogs in Volunteer Canine Search and Rescue Teams on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at the Legislative Office Building.

“The work of police professionals is difficult, dangerous and of the utmost importance to all communities in our state,” said Rep. Camillo. “Included in this brave group are the working police canines, many of which have been shot, injured and killed by criminals in what is becoming an all too often occurrence.”

This legislation would increase the penalty for injuring or killing a police dog from a Class D to a Class C felony. The Federal Law, Enforcement Animal Protection Act, punishes those who assault, maim or kill a federal law enforcement animal with a minimum $1,000 fine or potentially 10 years imprisonment. Rep. Camillo wishes to bring state laws more in line with federal legislation to protect law enforcement animals at the local and state level. He has also introduced legislation concerning the assault of off-duty law enforcement personnel as part of a larger effort to provide those serving our state and local communities the protection they deserve.

“It is important to send the message, backed by law, that attacks on our beloved police canines will be met with stronger penalties,” added Camillo. “We owe it to man’s best friend and our police professionals’ best partners, this additional protection.”

Image via the Connecticut General Assembly