SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A panel of Utah lawmakers has endorsed a bill that would increase the penalty for intentionally killing a police dog.
The Deseret News reports that the proposal would bump intentionally or knowingly killing a police dog from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony.
Police officers attended the House Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Committee meeting on Wednesday to show support for the bill.
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Republican state Rep. Eric Hutchings of Kearns says it's a measure to make people feel good and show the proper amount of respect to an animal that served valiantly.
The committee voted 11-0 to advance the bill to House floor. It passed the Senate last week.