Grundy Reporter

State Senator Erica Harriss has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening legal protections for working K9 animals. The bill, known as Senate Bill 2091, was filed following the death of a former Alton Police Department K9 named Odin. The incident highlighted the need for stricter laws to hold individuals accountable for harming these animals.

Senate Bill 2091 proposes that those convicted of "willfully or maliciously torturing, mutilating, injuring, disabling, poisoning, or killing service animals, law enforcement animals, search and rescue dogs, or accelerant detection canines" face harsher penalties. Currently, if an animal is not killed or completely disabled by such acts, it is considered a Class 4 felony. The proposed bill would elevate this to a Class 3 felony. If the animal is killed or totally disabled, the charge would rise from a Class 3 felony to a Class 2 felony.

The push for this legislative change comes after K9 Odin's death in August while he was on duty protecting his community. His sacrifice has brought attention to the significant contributions made by these working animals and the necessity of enhancing their protection under the law.

At present, Senate Bill 2091 is awaiting review in the Assignments Committee.