First of all, thank you so much for supporting our quest to pursue federal legislation that makes killing a law enforcement canine in the line-of-duty a second-degree felony, increasing it from a third-degree felony.

We are also currently pursuing federal legislation that allows any critically injured K9 to be transported via EMS - shockingly, that is not currently the case. In short, we are overwhelmed with the love and support!

This should, without a doubt, be federal law, and we are working tirelessly to lobby lawmakers and put a bill forward in 2021. We will share any significant updates here when we have them!

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In May 2019, Florida Governor Ron Desantis signed Senate Bill 96, nicknamed the "Fang Memorial Bill", creating harsher penalties for criminals who harm law enforcement animals in the state of Florida.

This legislation makes killing a law enforcement canine in the line-of-duty a second-degree felony, increasing it from a third-degree felony. The bill also triples the maximum penalties from five years in state prison to 15 and raises the fine from $5,000 to $15,000. The penalties will also apply to harming fire, search-and-rescue dogs, as well as mounted patrol units.

Debbie Johnson, Founder and CEO of nonprofit K9s United, championed the bill after the tragic death of K9 Fang with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. She rallied thousands of people to the cause and emphasized the urgent need for harsher penalties when harming law enforcement animals in the line-of-duty. Until now, the existing penalties for killing a brave, highly trained canine protecting and assisting their handler were no more severe than stealing an item valued at $300 or more.

Fang selflessly gave his life so our dear friend Officer Herrera could go home to his beautiful family, but Fang's attacker didn't get the sentence he deserved for brutally maiming and killing a police officer. That's why we took drastic action to pursue justice for these heinous crimes.

We truly couldn't do any of this without your support for our K9 heroes! Please keep signing and sharing our petition as we continue to fight for this!

About K9s United

K9s United is committed to supporting and honoring K9 law enforcement officers who detect, protect and serve our communities by giving them the best equipment, amenities, and quality of life during and after their service, and memorializing those who give the ultimate sacrifice.

Due to budgetary constraints, many law enforcement agencies don't have the funding to provide the K9 Units the resources they need. It is not only vital that K9s receive the proper training, equipment, and care to do the best possible job, but they deserve it. With our vision to support, honor, strengthen, and provide, K9s United will continue until every law enforcement K9 in need is served.

Learn more on our website.