The bill amends the Michigan Penal Code, specifically section 50c, to enhance protections for police dogs, police horses, and search and rescue dogs. It introduces definitions for terms such as "dog handler," "physical harm," "police dog," "police horse," "search and rescue dog," and "serious physical harm." The bill prohibits individuals from intentionally killing or causing serious physical harm to these animals, as well as from intentionally causing physical harm or interfering with them while they are performing their duties.

Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for violations of these provisions. A person who intentionally kills or causes serious physical harm to a police dog, police horse, or search and rescue dog while committing a crime faces felony charges with a potential imprisonment of up to 5 years and fines up to $10,000. Those who cause physical harm or interfere with these animals while committing a crime may face felony charges with a maximum imprisonment of 2 years and fines up to $10,000. The bill is referred to as "Dozer's law" and will take effect 90 days after being enacted.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 750.50