SC S0427

Expands protections for law enforcement dogs and horses by prohibiting taunting, tormenting, teasing, beating, striking, or administering desensitizing drugs to these animals while on or off duty

Increases penalties for taunting/tormenting offenses to a misdemeanor with fines of $2,000-$5,000 and imprisonment of 30 days to 5 years

Elevates penalties for torturing, mutilating, injuring, disabling, poisoning, or killing police dogs or horses to a felony with fines of $2,000-$20,000 and imprisonment of 2-10 years (increased from previous 1-5 years)

Requires mandatory restitution to the law enforcement agency for costs of replacing or restoring injured/killed animals, including purchase, training, and veterinary expenses

Allows courts to sentence offenders to one year of animal-related community service and preserves the right to self-defense as a legal defense