2026 Regular Session
HB 5436
Make it a felony to kill a canine officer
In Committee
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill makes it a felony to intentionally kill a canine officer while they are working with a human law enforcement officer. It expands the definition of "law-enforcement officer" to include canines used in police work, treating crimes against them similarly to crimes against human officers. The bill also clarifies penalties for offenses against these animals.
Key provisions
- Designates canine officers as "law enforcement officers" for the purposes of criminal law.
- Classifies intentional killing of a canine officer as a felony.
- Establishes penalties for crimes against canine officers equivalent to those for crimes against human law enforcement officers.
- Expands the definition of ‘law-enforcement officer’ to include animals trained to assist law enforcement.
- Clarifies that the penalty applies when the perpetrator knows the animal is acting in its official capacity.
- Addresses concurrent sentencing for offenses against correctional employees and canine officers.
Who is affected
- Police officers
- Canine officers
- Criminal defendants
- Law enforcement agencies
- Animal welfare organizations
Notable changes
- Previously, canine officers were not explicitly recognized as victims in criminal law.
- The bill establishes a specific felony charge for intentionally harming or killing a canine officer.
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