JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – National nonprofit K9s United and Florida U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean introduced federal legislation aimed at protecting law enforcement K-9s.
The proposed legislation, known as the LEO K9 Protection Act, aims to strengthen criminal penalties for harming or killing federal working K-9s and authorize lifesaving medical care and emergency transport when they are injured in the line of duty.
The bill is named after K-9 Leo, a fallen K-9 from Marion County.
Under HB 4755, those who intentionally harm or kill a federal law enforcement K-9, or any state, county, or local working K-9 helping a federal agency, would be fined and imprisoned for up to 15 years.
“Our police dogs and horses serve on the front lines, protecting officers and communities alike. They deserve real protection, not just praise—and the “LEO K9 Protection Act” will deliver tougher penalties against those who harm these heroic animals in the line of duty," Bean said.
The legislation would also allow EMS personnel to administer first-aid and authorize the use of helicopters or ambulances to transport injured working K9s to veterinary facilities.
If passed, this bill will ensure these K-9s receive the same critical medical response as their human partners.
Debbie Johnson, president and founder of K9s United, worked on state legislation with Congressman Bean in 2018 for K-9 Fang, who was killed in the line of duty.
Fang’s killer was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
“To have the dogs be able to sacrifice and work with their handlers just to help keep us safe. The least we could do is make sure they have the best equipment necessary and the best tools to do their jobs and come home,” Johnson said.
