Rep. Aaron Bean Introduces Leo K9 Protection Act to Safeguard Police Animals

Protecting Law Enforcement Animals

• 💡 The Leo K9 Protection Act is introduced to strengthen penalties for assaulting or injuring police animals.
• 🐾 These animals, including canines and horses, serve on the front lines in roles such as narcotics detection, crowd control, and search and rescue.
• 🤝 They are described as trusted teammates, facing real threats and dangers alongside their human handlers.

Key Provisions of the Act

• ⚖️ The legislation will establish a federal penalty of up to 15 years in prison for harming a federal police animal with a deadly weapon.
• 🌍 It also expands the federal statute to cover any state, county, or local police animal that is assisting a federal agency.

Honoring Service and Sacrifice

• 🎖️ The bill is named after K9 Leo of Marian County, Florida, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
• 💔 Last year, 21 police canines lost their lives in the line of duty, highlighting the risks these animals face.
• 🙏 Rep. Bean urges colleagues to support the legislation, emphasizing that these animals deserve protection in return for their service and courage.