Politics & Government

Legislation To Update K-9 Law Proposed

Under current law, police dogs that bite individuals in line of work are confined.

 

Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Orange) will be joined by members of the Clarkstown Police Department's and other police departments when he introduces legislation on Friday to exempt police dogs from confinement in the event they bite an individual in the course of their official duty.

Under current New York State law, animals who may have exposed an individual to rabies must be confined for a 10-day observation period. The law, which is considered outdated, burdens local law enforcement agencies throughout the state because it subjects police dogs to an unfair double standard according to Carlucci.

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The police dogs are expected to subdue fleeing suspects, yet are punished if they are successful in performing their public duties.  The proposed legislation would reform the current law so that K-9 officers are kept on the job. Representatives of the Yonkers, White Plains and other police departments are expected to attend the announcement at the Clarkstown Police Department.


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