Gov. Dayton Signs Bill Increasing Penalty for Harming, Killing Police Dogs - story w/pics

[Kadie]

Dayton Signs Bill Increasing Penalty for Harming, Killing Police Dogs
Updated: Tuesday, 22 Mar 2011, 4:21 PM CDT
Published : Tuesday, 22 Mar 2011, 4:21 PM CDT

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton signed a new law Tuesday that increases the penalties for people who injure or kill police or other public safety dogs.

The bill raises potential restitution costs for people who harm dogs in police actions, search and rescue, correctional facilities or arson investigations. Killing or causing great bodily harm to such a dog could cost a fine up to $5,000 and restitution costs up to $25,000, according to the bill.

Rep. Tony Cornish cited an attack on a Roseville police dog named Major as a catalyst for the bill. Major lost the use of his hind legs after being stabbed four times while chasing a burglary suspect at a Maplewood truck lot.

“I am grateful for the service that police officers and their canine partners provide to Minnesota citizens, risking their lives to keep us safe,” Gov. Dayton said. “I want to thank Rep. Cornish and Sen. Hall for authoring the legislation. Roseville Police Officer John Jorgensen and his German Shepherd partner, K-9 Major, deserve special recognition. Major was stabbed four times in the back and was paralyzed as a result. This tragedy led to the passage of the bill I am proud to sign into law today."

more...
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/politics/k9-killing-injury-penalty-bill-mar-22-2011




After a bill signing ceremony, Governor Mark Dayton greets Major, a Roseville Police canine, who was permanently disabled when he was stabbed four times by a suspect in a November 2010 burglary on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 in St. Paul, Minn. Dayton praised public safety dogs for their 'courage and heroism' and said assaults against them are an assault on the integrity of society. (AP Photo/Pioneer Press, Chris Polydoroff)


Major, a Roseville Police canine, was the guest of honor at a bill signing ceremony at the state capitol , Tuesday, March 22, 2011 in St. Paul, Minn. Dayton praised public safety dogs for their 'courage and heroism' and said assaults against them are an assault on the integrity of society. (AP Photo/Pioneer Press, Chris Polydoroff)


pics from http://news.yahoo.com

[OhioChick]

1. Good

:thumbsup:

Major is such a sweetie. :)

[JNelson6563]

2. Good news.

[jwirr]

3. That is good. These animals would give their lives for their handlers

so it is only right that they have protection.

[madrchsod]

4. they should receive prison time for injuring or killing a police dog