SB 72 Summary

• Amends 21 O.S. 2011, Sections 649.1 and 649.2 to expand prohibited acts against police dogs and horses owned or employed by state and local law enforcement agencies.

• Adds new prohibited acts including striking, administering nonpoisonous desensitizing substances, poisoning, setting booby traps, and paying bounties intended to injure or kill police animals.

• Increases felony penalties from 2 years to 5 years imprisonment when prohibited acts occur during commission of a misdemeanor or felony.

• Requires restitution payments to the law enforcement agency or political subdivision that employed the police dog or horse, for both misdemeanor and felony convictions.

• Creates exceptions for peace officers and veterinarians euthanizing animals to relieve suffering, and when off-duty police dogs pose threats to public safety.