police dogs

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office is looking to add three police dogs to their staff.

Hometown Pride Days in Cold Spring is in full swing. Hundreds have already made their way into town Thursday and Friday to enjoy food and activities.

Everyday Heroes- A new WJON weekly series spotlighting those who put their life on the line everyday to keep our communities safe.

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 Minnesota Senate has voted to increase the legal consequences for people who harm or kill police and other public safety dogs. The Senate passed the bill unanimously on Thursday.

The Minnesota House has voted to toughen a state law to deter people from harming or killing public safety dogs like those police use. By a 107-22 vote, the House approved legislation Thursday increasing potential restitution costs for people who hurt dogs used in police actions, search and rescue, correctional facilities or arson investigations.

Harming or killing a law enforcement dog could come with stiffer penalties under legislation making its way through the Minnesota Legislature. Lawmakers take 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.