This bill aims to amend the West Virginia Code to classify police canine units and community search and rescue group canines as "law enforcement officers" for the purposes of protecting them under the law. It introduces new definitions and provisions that recognize these animals as integral to law enforcement activities, particularly in search and rescue operations for individuals and cadavers. The bill specifies that these canines are considered law enforcement officers while actively working with human officers or resting between assignments. Additionally, it allows individuals or members of community search and rescue groups to use reasonable force to defend these animals, similar to the protections afforded to human law enforcement officers.

Furthermore, the bill expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" to include these canines in the context of crimes against law enforcement personnel. It establishes that any crimes committed against these animals while they are performing their duties will carry the same penalties as if the crime were committed against a human officer. This includes malicious assault, unlawful assault, battery, and assault, with specific penalties outlined for offenses against these canines. The bill emphasizes the importance of these animals in law enforcement and aims to ensure their protection under the law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-29-1, 61-2-10b