Jul. 07, 2022
HARRISBURG – Legislation which was inspired by the death of a Johnstown K-9 police dog is on the verge of becoming law, according to state Rep. Jim Rigby (R-Johnstown), the author of
House Bill 940.
“As a dog lover and former police chief, I’m very aware of the valuable contributions these animals make,” Rigby said. “When Titan died in the line of duty two years ago, the police force and the community suffered a great loss. House Bill 940 would to some degree avenge his death and also hold responsible those individuals who had a hand in it.”
Titan died in November, 2020, from injuries suffered while he and his handler were taking part in a burglary investigation. Nicknamed Titan’s Law, House Bill 940 passed the Senate Wednesday and the House Thursday with bipartisan support and would expand the penalty for incidents when a police animal is injured or killed by individuals while they are engaged in the commission of a felony.
“Under current law, a crime is committed only when perpetrators intentionally cause the injury or death,” added Rigby. “In addition, House Bill 940 would increase the penalty to a third-degree felony for anyone who tortures, mutilates, injures, disables, poisons or kill a police animal while committing a felony.”
A felony of the third degree has a maximum possible sentence of up to seven years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine.
Questions about this or any legislative issue should be directed to Rigby’s district office at 1- 814-536-9818.
Representative Jim Rigby
71st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott B. Little
717.260.6137 (office), 717.497.5967 (cell)
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