The Senate passed a bill on Wednesday that would make it a crime to harm or kill a police dog.
Senate Bill 399 would make it unlawful to harm, attempt to harm, or kill a police dog that is under the control of a law-enforcement or corrections officer who is acting in his or her official capacity. The legislation defines “police dog” and sets forth penalties.
Senator Ryan Weld (R-Brooke, 01), the lead sponsor of the bill, sees it as a way for the state to make a statement and fully support K-9 officers for their service.
“This is a policy statement that we are making that we are going to protect these officers and we will hold those who injure them or kill them accountable,” Sen. Weld said.
Weld informed members that there are currently 150-200 K-9 officers working throughout West Virginia for various law enforcement agencies. He noted that the State Police currently has 22 dog teams in use.
Lt. J.A. Ratliff with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department joined the Senate Judiciary Committee last week to speak in support of the bill. With him was 5-year-old Bailee, a liver and tan bloodhound described by Lt. Ratliff as a “man hunter.” Ratliff said he believes an attack on a K-9 officer is an attack on law enforcement.
Bailee, who Ratliff has trained since she was 8 weeks old, is used to find missing and endangered children and elderly people suffering from dementia and other conditions.
The bill now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration.
The Senate is adjourned until tomorrow, Jan. 25, at 11 a.m.
Afternoon Meetings:
Econ Development is meeting currently in room 451M.
School Choice is meeting currently in room 208.
Outdoor Recreation at 2 p.m. in 208W
Pensions at 2 p.m. in 451M
Finance at 3 p.m. in 451M
Judiciary at 3 p.m. in 208W
Morning Meetings for 1/25:
Education at 10 a.m. in 451M
Gov. Organization at 10 a.m. in 208W.
