This bill aims to amend the West Virginia Code to classify police canine units as "law enforcement officers," thereby extending certain legal protections and definitions to these animals. Specifically, it inserts language that defines "law enforcement officer" to include animals trained to assist human officers, such as canines, while they are actively working or resting between assignments. Additionally, the bill allows human officers to use the same level of force to protect these animals as they would to protect another human officer. It clarifies that these animals are not considered state employees and do not receive the same administrative protections.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the definitions and penalties associated with crimes against law enforcement officers to include canines. It stipulates that any crimes committed against these animals while they are serving in their capacity as law enforcement officers will carry the same penalties as if the crime were committed against a human officer. This includes provisions for malicious assault, unlawful assault, battery, and assault, ensuring that the legal consequences for harming a police canine are equivalent to those for harming a human law enforcement officer.

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