Committee Hears Senator Luetkemeyer’s Bill to Protect Police Dogs  

JEFFERSON CITY — Injuring or killing a police dog would be a felony offense under a bill State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, presented in committee on Tuesday.

Named “Max’s Law” in honor of a St. Joseph K-9 officer killed in the line of duty in 2021, Sen. Luetkemeyer’s legislation elevates injuring a police dog that requires veterinary care to a Class E felony. Killing a K-9 officer would become a Class D felony punishable by up to seven years in prison. Under current law, harming a police dog is prosecuted as misdemeanor property damage. 

 “K-9 officers are huge contributors to our communities, putting their lives on the line every day to protect the public,” Sen. Luetkemeyer said. “They deserve the full protection of the law and this law ensures that the punishment for those who take the lives of these heroic animals fits the crime.”

Senator Luetkemeyer says he is hopeful that the bill will cross the finish line in 2024. 

For more information about Sen. Luetkemeyer, visit senate.mo.gov/mem34.

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