The Indiana House Courts and Criminal Code Committee on Wednesday approved State Rep. Chris Jeter’s (R-Fishers) bill to strengthen criminal penalties and sentencing for killing a police K-9.
Jeter, an attorney who serves as a member on the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee, authored House Bill 1306. The legislation would increase the penalty for killing a police K-9 from a Level 6 to a Level 5 felony, carrying a sentence of between 1 and 6 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 K-9s are vital for police officers who work tirelessly 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 to save Hoosiers.”
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 6 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. Fishers Police Officer Jarred Koopman, who was Harlej’s handler, testified in support of the legislation.
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 1306 now heads to the House floor for further consideration. For more information, or to watch session and committees live, visit iga.in.gov.
State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88, which includes portions of Hamilton, Hancock, Madison and Marion counties.