West Virginia SB200 increases criminal penalties for assaulting public service workers, law-enforcement officers, and police animals.

West Virginia SB200 amends the state's criminal code to increase penalties for assaults on public service workers, law-enforcement officers, and police animals. The bill defines "public safety animal" and "public safety officer" and establishes criminal penalties for causing physical injury, serious physical injury, or death to these animals. It also allows for the right of self-defense on behalf of public safety animals and exempts euthanasia by authorized personnel from these penalties.

West Virginia SB200 increases criminal penalties for assaulting public service workers, law-enforcement officers, and police animals.

West Virginia SB200 amends the state's criminal code to increase penalties for assaults on public service workers, law-enforcement officers, and police animals. The bill defines "public safety animal" and "public safety officer" and establishes criminal penalties for causing physical injury, serious physical injury, or death to these animals. It also allows for the right of self-defense on behalf of public safety animals and exempts euthanasia by authorized personnel from these penalties.