Kansas lawmakers passed a bill increasing penalties for killing police dogs and horses, inspired by the 2020 killing of Wichita police dog Bane.
Kansas lawmakers have passed a bill that increases penalties for killing police dogs and horses, inspired by the 2020 strangulation of a Wichita police dog named Bane. The bill, which has bipartisan support, would allow a first-time offender to be sentenced to more than three years in prison for killing a police animal, arson dog, game warden's dog, or search-and-rescue dog. If the killing occurs when a suspect is trying to evade law enforcement, the offender could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The bill now awaits Democratic Governor Laura Kelly's signature, who has not publicly stated her decision. Increased penalties for killing police dogs have seen bipartisan support across the U.S. with similar measures being introduced in at least four other states.