Sedgwick County deputy wants tougher penalties after his K9’s death
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office deputy went to the Kansas Statehouse Thursday to ask lawmakers to toughen up on criminals who harm law enforcement animals.
Deputy Tyler Brooks was the handler for K9 Bane, who died in the line of duty last year.
“On November 16th, 2023, Bane was killed in the line of duty by a fleeing suspect in a sewer drain,” Brooks told legislators. “Bane fearlessly charged into the tunnel to search for the suspect without hesitation and, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries that day.”
Handler of fallen K-9 Bane remembers his partner
A bill introduced in the Kansas House this week would increase penalties for harming certain law enforcement animals. It would also add police horses to the list of protected law enforcement animals.
Currently, the minimum fine for killing or maiming a police animal is $500.
Brooks wants that increased to $10,000 and 90 days in jail. If Bane’s Law is passed, offenders who harm or kill a police animal while fleeing from police would be required to complete a psychological evaluation during their imprisonment and an anger management program during their probation. Offenders would also have to pay for veterinary treatment, funeral expenses, and animal replacement costs.
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Animals covered under House Bill 2583 include police dogs, arson dogs, assistance dogs, game warden dogs, search and rescue dogs, and police horses.
The bill is currently in a House committee.
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