FL H0067

Expands definitions of "police canine" and "SAR canine" to include canines owned or employed by correctional agencies, in addition to law enforcement agencies

Increases the penalty for intentionally causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or death to, or using a deadly weapon upon, police canines, fire canines, SAR canines, or police horses from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony

Maintains existing misdemeanor penalties for maliciously touching, striking, or causing bodily harm to these animals (first-degree misdemeanor) and for harassing or interfering with them while on duty (second-degree misdemeanor)

Requires convicted offenders to pay restitution for injuries and replacement costs if the animal can no longer perform duties

Effective date: October 1, 2019