State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) is working to strengthen criminal penalties and sentencing for killing a police K-9.
Jeter
Jeter, an attorney who serves on the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee, authored legislation that would increase the penalty for killing a police K-9 from a Level 6 to a Level 5 felony carrying a sentence of between one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. He said killing a K-9 in the commission of a crime would also be an aggravating circumstance for sentencing in criminal cases.
“These animals are vital for police officers in their work to protect our community,” Jeter said. “Not only do they serve alongside their handlers, but they also fearlessly pursue suspects and take on dangerous tasks that inevitably save human lives.”
Jeter’s legislation is inspired by the 2019 killing of Harlej, a K-9 with the Fishers Police Department shot by a fleeing suspect. With the current maximum sentence for the crime standing at six months, Jeter said the penalty is too low and criminals who take the lives of police K-9s like Harlej need to face stiffer penalties.
He said in addition to the emotional toll of losing a K-9, their death is costly and impacts budgets as training can cost up to $45,000 per dog.
House Bill 1056 is assigned to the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee. Watch session and committees live, and view legislation at iga.in.gov.
State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88, which includes portions of Marion, Hamilton and Hancock counties.