MN Bill Raises Penalties For Harming Police Dogs

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Harming or killing a law enforcement dog could come with stiffer penalties under legislation making its way through the Minnesota Legislature.

Lawmakers took a deeper look Tuesday at a bill that would increase potential restitution costs for people who hurt dogs used in police actions, search and rescue, correctional facilities or arson investigations.

Under the bill, killing or causing great bodily harm to such a dog could result in prison time, a fine of up to $5,000 and restitution costs of up to $25,000. Current penalties in state law don't require restitution.

The House bill was sent by a committee to the floor for a vote later this session. The Senate version, which was changed to remove the restitution cap, was also advanced Tuesday for a later floor vote.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)