Pros And Cons Of Police Dogs
Running head: Police Dogs as People
Should Police Dogs Be Treated as Human Beings
Should Police Dogs Be Treated as Human Beings Police Dogs are being murdered and criminals are getting away with minimal charges. These animals go through extensive training and, much like their human counterpart, continue training throughout their career. They are only allowed to work 8 hours a day, and are required to take breaks. These are all requirements for humans when working as well. This paper is intended to discuss the need for increased penalties for those people who injure or murder these K-9 officers. The animal cruelty laws in the state of Pennsylvania are difficult to enforce so new laws should be created. These criminals show the officers their true nature when injuring these animals, and should be treated as though they have injured a human, or …show more content…
worse. These animals work for a living, and help make our streets safer. Without their help, more human officers would be injured. Why would you not want harsher laws for those who murder them? We will also look at a new law that is in the process of being passed in Pennsylvania called Rocco’s Law.
Rocco may have been a nothing more than a dog to many people, but to the Pittsburgh Police Department he was a member of the team. On the evening of January 28, 2014, Rocco, his partner, and other officers were chasing a criminal through Lawrenceville, Pa. The man was found hiding in a building a short distance away. According to Pittsburgh Police, “the man lunged forward at the three officers and the K-9, wildly swinging a pocket knife." (Trina Orlando, 2014) However, this man is only looking at 7 years jail time for the crimes he has committed.
According to that statement, one can come to the conclusion that Rocco was still by his partner’s side. KDKA news never stated anything about Rocco being sent to “apprehend” the criminal. The picture you would get here would be that the man swung the knife, attacking the officers and the K-9, unprovoked. Rocco was injured the most from this attack, and was rushed to a Veterinary Specialty Emergency Center, where he had a kidney removed, was placed on a ventilator, required a blood transfusion, and later passed away. (Trina Orlando, 2014)
Much like human police officers, these K-9’s require training. Also, there are different types of training required for specific jobs, such as patrol dog or detection. (USPCA, 2010) Sending these dogs trough training is like sending your child to a tech school. On average, each police dog will cost between $8,000 and $12,000. (Zullo, 2014) Even after these K-9’s have graduated and been placed on the job, they still require training. Every day there are new threats, and these officers must be knowledgeable of them.
The K-9 and handler create a special bond. They are not only partners on the job, but they are also family. The Handler becomes the owner, and the k-9 “pays his way” by working. Not even the K-9 can get a free ride in life.
There are even rules for how much and how long the K-9 officer is allowed to work. According to the United States Police Canine Association, these officers should be on duty “during peak hours of criminal activity.” The K-9’s are also only to work an 8 hour shift. This shift includes 7 hours of on duty time, and 1 hour to be used for feeding, grooming, and strengthening the bond between handler and canine.
When these animals are injured, it is up to the department and the judge to place judgment. Typically these criminals will get a 1st or 2nd degree Misdemeanor on their record with a fine and possibility of up to 7 years jail time. (Pennsylvania General Assembly) However, in the state of Pennsylvania, non-profit humane society’s and associations that prevent animal cruelty are able to initiate criminal proceedings. (Animal Law Coalition, 2010)
Agents belonging to these non-profit organizations are able to obtain warrants, and seize animals.
However, since they have been allowed to become involved, the burden lies almost entirely on them. The non-profits must have a specially trained “officer” to represent them in their proceedings. The state does not fund these trained officers, which include training, salary and benefits. The non-profits are also responsible for funding the prosecutions and care for the seized animals.
There were many outpourings of help after the death of Rocco. There were people who wanted to donate a new dog to the department, and some who were taking up a collection to pay for a new police dogs training. The biggest help came from Ben Rothlisberger, a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ben Rothlisberger Foundation is going to purchase, and pay for the training of a new K-9 officer for Officer Lerza, Rocco’s handler. According to a statement made by Rothlisberger, “Rocco can never be replaced, but we only hope to help with the healing process and to provide Officer Lerza with another loyal
partner.”
Another cry for help has come from Pennsylvania State Senator Matt Smith. He has introduced a new bill called Rocco’s Law. This bill would toughen penalties against those who kill or harm a police animal. (Smith, 2014) Rocco’s Law would increase states 3rd degree felony charge, to a 2nd degree felony charge. With this said, the fine would be raised from $15,000 to $25,000, and the prison sentence increased from 7 years to 10 years. This is increasingly important, due to the fact that the current law includes the taunting and striking of a police animal. (Smith, 2014) So, obviously there would need to be some rewording, and changes made to the current and possible new laws.
Rocco was just one of many police K-9s who have been injured or have fallen in the line of duty. Many go under the radar around the country, but he was in my home town. You see the news articles about how much the handler is hurting. He now has a void that will never be filled all because he lost a member of his family and department. Rocco was an officer and a partner, and should be treated as such. If a criminal murders a police officer they are charged with murder. Why then would you charge a criminal with a 1st or 2nd degree Misdemeanor when they injure or kill a police K-9? It is difficult to fathom why the difference should be made here, especially when I believe you could ask any officer and they would feel the same way.
References
"Forming A Canine Unit :: United States Police Canine Association." Forming A Canine Unit :: United States Police Canine Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2014. http://www.uspcak9.com/training/formingacanineunit.html
Orlando, Trina. "3 Officers Injured, K-9 Stabbed During Lawrenceville Arrest." CBS Pittsburgh. N.p., 28 Jan. 2014. Web. 16 Feb. 2014. http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2014/01/28/2-officers-k-9-injured-during-lawrenceville-chase/#comments
"Pennsylvania’s Problems in Enforcing Animal Cruelty Laws." Animal Law Coalition. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2014. http://animallawcoalition.com/pennsylvanias-problems-in-enforcing-animal-cruelty-laws
"Title 18." The Official Website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2014. http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=18&div=0&chpt=55&sctn=11&subsctn=0
"Legislators Introduce 'Rocco 's Law '" Senator Matt Smith. N.p., 7 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. http://www.senatormattsmith.com/legislators-introduce-roccos-law
Zullo, Robert. "Ben Roethlisberger 's Foundation to Buy New Police Dog." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. N.p., 10 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2014/02/10/Ben-Roethlisberger-s-foundation-to-buy-new-police-dog/stories/201402100132
Should Police Dogs Be Treated as Human Beings
Should Police Dogs Be Treated as Human Beings Police Dogs are being murdered and criminals are getting away with minimal charges. These animals go through extensive training and, much like their human counterpart, continue training throughout their career. They are only allowed to work 8 hours a day, and are required to take breaks. These are all requirements for humans when working as well. This paper is intended to discuss the need for increased penalties for those people who injure or murder these K-9 officers. The animal cruelty laws in the state of Pennsylvania are difficult to enforce so new laws should be created. These criminals show the officers their true nature when injuring these animals, and should be treated as though they have injured a human, or …show more content…
worse. These animals work for a living, and help make our streets safer. Without their help, more human officers would be injured. Why would you not want harsher laws for those who murder them? We will also look at a new law that is in the process of being passed in Pennsylvania called Rocco’s Law.
Rocco may have been a nothing more than a dog to many people, but to the Pittsburgh Police Department he was a member of the team. On the evening of January 28, 2014, Rocco, his partner, and other officers were chasing a criminal through Lawrenceville, Pa. The man was found hiding in a building a short distance away. According to Pittsburgh Police, “the man lunged forward at the three officers and the K-9, wildly swinging a pocket knife." (Trina Orlando, 2014) However, this man is only looking at 7 years jail time for the crimes he has committed.
According to that statement, one can come to the conclusion that Rocco was still by his partner’s side. KDKA news never stated anything about Rocco being sent to “apprehend” the criminal. The picture you would get here would be that the man swung the knife, attacking the officers and the K-9, unprovoked. Rocco was injured the most from this attack, and was rushed to a Veterinary Specialty Emergency Center, where he had a kidney removed, was placed on a ventilator, required a blood transfusion, and later passed away. (Trina Orlando, 2014)
Much like human police officers, these K-9’s require training. Also, there are different types of training required for specific jobs, such as patrol dog or detection. (USPCA, 2010) Sending these dogs trough training is like sending your child to a tech school. On average, each police dog will cost between $8,000 and $12,000. (Zullo, 2014) Even after these K-9’s have graduated and been placed on the job, they still require training. Every day there are new threats, and these officers must be knowledgeable of them.
The K-9 and handler create a special bond. They are not only partners on the job, but they are also family. The Handler becomes the owner, and the k-9 “pays his way” by working. Not even the K-9 can get a free ride in life.
There are even rules for how much and how long the K-9 officer is allowed to work. According to the United States Police Canine Association, these officers should be on duty “during peak hours of criminal activity.” The K-9’s are also only to work an 8 hour shift. This shift includes 7 hours of on duty time, and 1 hour to be used for feeding, grooming, and strengthening the bond between handler and canine.
When these animals are injured, it is up to the department and the judge to place judgment. Typically these criminals will get a 1st or 2nd degree Misdemeanor on their record with a fine and possibility of up to 7 years jail time. (Pennsylvania General Assembly) However, in the state of Pennsylvania, non-profit humane society’s and associations that prevent animal cruelty are able to initiate criminal proceedings. (Animal Law Coalition, 2010)
Agents belonging to these non-profit organizations are able to obtain warrants, and seize animals.
However, since they have been allowed to become involved, the burden lies almost entirely on them. The non-profits must have a specially trained “officer” to represent them in their proceedings. The state does not fund these trained officers, which include training, salary and benefits. The non-profits are also responsible for funding the prosecutions and care for the seized animals.
There were many outpourings of help after the death of Rocco. There were people who wanted to donate a new dog to the department, and some who were taking up a collection to pay for a new police dogs training. The biggest help came from Ben Rothlisberger, a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ben Rothlisberger Foundation is going to purchase, and pay for the training of a new K-9 officer for Officer Lerza, Rocco’s handler. According to a statement made by Rothlisberger, “Rocco can never be replaced, but we only hope to help with the healing process and to provide Officer Lerza with another loyal
partner.”
Another cry for help has come from Pennsylvania State Senator Matt Smith. He has introduced a new bill called Rocco’s Law. This bill would toughen penalties against those who kill or harm a police animal. (Smith, 2014) Rocco’s Law would increase states 3rd degree felony charge, to a 2nd degree felony charge. With this said, the fine would be raised from $15,000 to $25,000, and the prison sentence increased from 7 years to 10 years. This is increasingly important, due to the fact that the current law includes the taunting and striking of a police animal. (Smith, 2014) So, obviously there would need to be some rewording, and changes made to the current and possible new laws.
Rocco was just one of many police K-9s who have been injured or have fallen in the line of duty. Many go under the radar around the country, but he was in my home town. You see the news articles about how much the handler is hurting. He now has a void that will never be filled all because he lost a member of his family and department. Rocco was an officer and a partner, and should be treated as such. If a criminal murders a police officer they are charged with murder. Why then would you charge a criminal with a 1st or 2nd degree Misdemeanor when they injure or kill a police K-9? It is difficult to fathom why the difference should be made here, especially when I believe you could ask any officer and they would feel the same way.
References
"Forming A Canine Unit :: United States Police Canine Association." Forming A Canine Unit :: United States Police Canine Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2014. http://www.uspcak9.com/training/formingacanineunit.html
Orlando, Trina. "3 Officers Injured, K-9 Stabbed During Lawrenceville Arrest." CBS Pittsburgh. N.p., 28 Jan. 2014. Web. 16 Feb. 2014. http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2014/01/28/2-officers-k-9-injured-during-lawrenceville-chase/#comments
"Pennsylvania’s Problems in Enforcing Animal Cruelty Laws." Animal Law Coalition. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2014. http://animallawcoalition.com/pennsylvanias-problems-in-enforcing-animal-cruelty-laws
"Title 18." The Official Website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2014. http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=18&div=0&chpt=55&sctn=11&subsctn=0
"Legislators Introduce 'Rocco 's Law '" Senator Matt Smith. N.p., 7 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. http://www.senatormattsmith.com/legislators-introduce-roccos-law
Zullo, Robert. "Ben Roethlisberger 's Foundation to Buy New Police Dog." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. N.p., 10 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2014/02/10/Ben-Roethlisberger-s-foundation-to-buy-new-police-dog/stories/201402100132