A Senate committee approved a bill that would penalize harming a police dog by up to ten years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Law enforcement leaders across South Carolina are backing a bill that would toughen penalties for anyone who harms a police K-9.
In 2024, five police dogs were killed in the line of duty, including three in Richland County. Current state law already makes it illegal to injure or kill a law enforcement animal, but officials say the penalties don’t go far enough.
“These dogs are not somebody’s pets. These dogs are Richland County dogs. These are the state of South Carolina dogs. These dogs are out here serving our community,” said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott.
The proposed legislation would make it a felony to intentionally harm a police dog, with a fine of up to $20,000 and a prison sentence of two to ten years. The offender would also be required to pay restitution for the full cost of the dog, including training, medical care and replacement.
“The investment on a single trained canine is upwards to $12,500, not including the hundreds of hours of training that follow,” said Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis. “Each dog undergoes a minimum of 600 hours of basic training, plus continued weekly training for the remainder of their expected nine years of service.”
Richland County lost three K-9s last year. Lott said he wants to see stronger consequences for anyone who hurts or kills them.
“The penalty for killing or injuring these dogs has been very minimal,” he said. “What we’re asking is that they’ll be increased so those who are out here that will injure, harm or kill our police dogs be held accountable.”
The bill passed out of committee this week and now heads to the Senate floor.
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