Classifies canines working with law enforcement as law enforcement officers for protection purposes.

This bill amends the West Virginia Code to classify canines working with law enforcement as law enforcement officers. It ensures that crimes against these canines, while working in the field or resting between assignments, carry the same penalties as crimes against human law enforcement officers. If a human officer must defend a canine officer, they can use the same level of force they would use to defend another human officer. The canines are not state employees and do not receive the same administrative protections or personnel status as other state employees.

Classifies canines working with law enforcement as law enforcement officers for protection purposes.

This bill amends the West Virginia Code to classify canines working with law enforcement as law enforcement officers. It ensures that crimes against these canines, while working in the field or resting between assignments, carry the same penalties as crimes against human law enforcement officers. If a human officer must defend a canine officer, they can use the same level of force they would use to defend another human officer. The canines are not state employees and do not receive the same administrative protections or personnel status as other state employees.