Injured Police Dog Will Witness Minnesota Bill Signing

ST. PAUL  (AP) -- Major the police dog will help usher in a new Minnesota law that calls for stiffer penalties for harming or killing public safety animals.

Gov. Mark Dayton planned to sign a bill with the changes on Tuesday.

The bill increases potential restitution costs for people who hurt dogs in police actions, search and rescue, correctional facilities or arson investigations.

Major is a Roseville police dog and was stabbed last fall when helping officers search a property for a burglary suspect. The dog is still rehabilitating from the serious injuries he sustained.

The bill passed the Legislature by wide margins and will formally take effect this August.

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