I remember discussion on legislation that was talked about that would charge someone of Murder if they killed a K9 dog in the commission of a crime. It msut have been just that, Talk.
THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 328 of 1931
750.50c Police dog or police horse; definitions; violation as felony or misdemeanor; penalty; other violations. Sec. 50c.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) “Dog handler” means a peace officer who has successfully completed training in the handling of a police dog pursuant to a policy of the law enforcement agency that employs that peace officer.
(b) “Physical harm” means any injury to a dog's or horse's physical condition.
(c) “Police dog” means a dog used by a law enforcement agency of this state or of a local unit of government of this state that is trained for law enforcement work and subject to the control of a dog handler.
(d) “Police horse” means a horse used by a law enforcement agency of this state or of a local unit of government of this state for law enforcement work.
(e) “Serious physical harm” means any injury to a dog's or horse's physical condition or welfare that is not necessarily permanent but that constitutes substantial body disfigurement, or that seriously impairs the function of a body organ or limb.
(2) A person shall not intentionally kill or cause serious physical harm to a police dog or police horse.
(3) A person shall not intentionally cause physical harm to a police dog or police horse.
(4) A person shall not intentionally harass or interfere with a police dog or police horse lawfully performing its duties.
(5) A person who violates subsection (2) is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than $2,500.00, or both.
(6) Except as provided in subsection (7), a person who violates subsection (3) or (4) is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.
(7) A person who violates subsection (3) or (4) while committing a crime is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.
(8) This section does not prohibit an individual from being charged with, convicted of, or punished for any other violation of law committed by that individual while violating this section.
History: Add. 1994, Act 336, Eff. Apr. 1, 1995 .
© 2003 Legislative Council, State of Michigan