SB62 - An Act Providing Benefits and Protections for Canine Search and Rescue Members.
CCSAR has recently been successful in working on new legislation to provide for some
of the same benefits that other emergency personnel receive under state law.
Prior to successful passage, Connecticut State Law did not include canine search and rescue teams.
SB62, An Act Providing Benefits and Protections for Canine Search and Rescue Members also has provisions for penalties for harming or
killing SAR dogs and police K9s'.
The bill provides the following:
- Allows volunteer canine Search and Rescue handlers to leave their municipal or state jobs to respond to a call without having their pay docked or benefits impacted.
- Permits Search and Rescue dogs into public places or on public transportation when in the custody of their handlers.
- Allows municipalities to provide a small tax exemption for active volunteer canine Search and Rescue members.
- Makes it a class "C" felony to assault a canine Search and Rescue handler during the course of their duties.
- Allows for punishment of up to 5 years and/or $5,000 for assault of a Search and Rescue dog, OR a police K9 when they are in the course of their duties.
- Increases the penalty for killing a police K9 from five to ten years and/or $10,000.
- Provides the same penalty for killing a Search and Rescue dog.
- Permits police officers to take part in peacekeeping missions without losing their jobs.
CCSAR is very excited about the passage of this bill, and would like to thank the many friends, individuals, and organizations that came forward in support. Also, we wish to express our appreciation to the many legislators, aides, and clerks who actively participated in this endeavor.