Senator Tony Luetkemeyer Pre-Files Max’s Law

to Increase Penalty for Killing K-9 Officers

JEFFERSON CITY — Causing injury or death to a police dog would be a felony offense under legislation pre-filed for the 2023 legislative session by State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville. Known as “Max’s Law,” the legislation was inspired by the 2020 killing of a St. Joseph Police K-9 officer.

“Max’s Law recognizes the contributions of these heroic animals and ensures that individuals who take the life of a K-9 officer are subject to a punishment that fits the crime,” Sen. Luetkemeyer said.

Under existing law, assault on a law enforcement animal is a Class C misdemeanor. Passage of Max’s Law would elevate the offense to a Class A misdemeanor if the animal is not injured to the point of requiring veterinary care. The crime becomes a Class E felony when a police dog is seriously injured, or a Class D felony if the animal dies.

Senator Luetkemeyer’s legislation is named after Max, a K-9 officer killed in the line of duty while his handler helped serve a warrant related to domestic assault. The 2023 legislative session begins on Jan. 4.

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