SB 716 - Under current law, assault on a law enforcement animal is a Class C misdemeanor. This act changes that offense to a Class A misdemeanor. Additionally, if the assault on the law enforcement animal results in the death of the animal or disables the animal to the extent it is unable to be utilized as a law enforcement animal, the offense is currently a Class E felony. This act changes that offense to a Class C felony. Under current law, certain circumstances create exceptions to conduct which would otherwise constitute certain animal-related offenses. This act removes the killing or injuring of a law enforcement animal from these exceptions. Any dog that is owned or employed by a law enforcement agency and injures another animal or human in the course of their official duties is exempt from certain statutes relating to harm caused by animals. This act is substantially similar to HB 423 (2017). MIKE WEAVER