Senator Tony Luetkemeyer Pre-Files K-9 Justice Law Ahead of 2024 Session  

JEFFERSON CITY — Individuals who injure or kill a police K-9 officer will face harsher penalties under legislation pre-filed for the 2024 legislative session by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville. 

The bill, known as “Max’s Law,” is named in honor of a St. Joseph Police K-9 officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2020. The bill increases penalties for assaulting a law enforcement animal from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class A. If the animal’s injuries require veterinary care, the crime raises to a Class E felony, or a class D felony if the animal dies. 

“The sacrifices that these heroic animals make should be respected by the law,” said Sen. Luetkemeyer. “Right now, killing a law enforcement K-9 is punished as ordinary property damage. My goal is to ensure the punishment fits the crime.”

After making it through the Missouri General Assembly during the 2023 legislative session, Sen. Luetkemeyer says he is hopeful that Max’s Law will cross the finish line and receive the governor’s signature in 2024. 

For more information about Sen. Luetkemeyer, visit senate.mo.gov/Luetkemeyer.

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