STATEWIDE – Legislation advanced today in the state Assembly which would impose a mandatory five-year jail term on anyone convicted of killing a police dog.
Assemblyman Ruben J. Ramos (D – Hoboken) joined Assemblymen Paul Moriarty (D – Turnersville) and Charles Mainor (D – Jersey City) in advancing the legislation, which was introduced in December after “Schultz,” an on-duty Gloucester Township police dog, was killed by a robbery suspect.
“Schultz was more than a dog to his community,” Moriarty said in a release. “He was a friend, protector, and an asset to all law-abiding citizens. This law will ensure he and his fellow K-9 officers have strong protections against those who break society’s rules.”
Under “Schultz’s Law”, criminals found guilty of killing a police dog or a dog engaged in a search and rescue operation would receive a mandatory minimum five-year prison term, with no eligibility for parole, and a $15,000 fine, according to a release.
“Dogs that assist law enforcement are loyal allies in the fight against crime,” Ramos said in a release. “This dog, like many others, was simply doing his job serving and protecting the public. They deserve legitimate protection against abuse, and those who abuse them need to face severe punishment.”
The bill was unanimously released from the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee, and will now be moved to the full Assembly. — Ray Smith
Police dogs would be protected under new Assembly bill
