A new state law classifies the intentional injury, maiming or killing of a police dog as a Class C felony. The law carries a mandatory prison sentence of one to 10 years and fines of up to $10,000 as well as a guarantee that restitution will be served.
Known as “Broko’s Law,” which was introduced following the death of Broko, a state police dog killed in the line of duty in Stonington’s Pawcatuck section last year.
Previously, there were no statutory provisions regarding restitution in the case of something like this happening. Under the law, police departments and K-9 handlers, such as Easton Police Officer Tamara French and her K-9 partner, TJ, can now seek restitution for expenses, including veterinary care and the costs of purchasing and training a replacement dog.
“Hopefully this will make suspects think twice before harming them; now there are no serious consequences,” said French.
French and TJ, a German Shepherd, have been a team for nearly seven years, and she has been his handler for much longer. Chase, her previous K-9, was injured during a confrontation with a suspect who was high on PCP and other drugs.
“Chase and I were both hurt during that fight, but the charges for hurting him were not nearly enough,” she said.
Those in support of the penalties, which Gov. Ned Lamont signed into law in May, testified about the high cost of maintaining and training a police dog. French relies entirely on donations to feed and train TJ.
“Every year, I do fundraising to cover the costs of TJ’s vet care, food and training,” she said. “We train twice a month for eight hours each session with our trainer and other area K-9s.”
State Senator Tony Hwang, a key supporter of the bill, emphasized the importance of protecting these animals.
“Our K9 law enforcement and search and rescue dogs are vital members of our society,’ said Hwang. “They deserve protection, and those who seek to harm them should be punished under the highest level of law enforcement.”
