South Carolina Bill Proposes Tougher Penalties for Attacks on Police K-9s, Horses
A new bill introduced in the South Carolina Statehouse aims to strengthen legal protections for law enforcement animals by imposing harsher penalties on those who intentionally harm or kill police dogs and horses.
The legislation comes in response to a troubling rise in the number of police K-9s killed in the line of duty. Under the proposed bill, anyone who maliciously injures or kills a law enforcement animal would face a felony charge, a fine of up to $2,000, and a mandatory minimum prison sentence of two years. The current penalty ranges from zero to five years in jail, a sentence many law enforcement officials argue is inadequate.
Support for the bill is widespread among law enforcement agencies across the state. Officers stress the crucial role these animals play in public safety—whether tracking suspects, detecting drugs, or protecting their handlers—and note that they often put themselves in danger to do so.
Backers of the bill also point to the high cost and extensive training required for each police K-9. On average, it takes over 600 hours of training and up to $18,000 in taxpayer funding to prepare a single dog for duty. Horses used by mounted patrol units require similar levels of care, training, and investment.
Advocates argue that the proposed tougher penalties would serve as a more effective deterrent and offer long-overdue recognition of the critical service these animals provide.
The bill is currently under review and, if passed, would mark a significant step toward enhancing protections for law enforcement animals across South Carolina.
