SC governor signs law increasing penalties for killing a K9 officer

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– A law increasing the penalties for killing a K9 officer is now official.

The measure known as Fargo’s Law makes taunting, teasing, or striking a law enforcement K9 or horse as a misdemeanor offense.

Shooting at or killing a police K9 is now classified as a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Officers say the new law more accurately reflects the critical role these animals play in law enforcement.

South Carolina Law Enforcement agencies have lost six K9 officers in recent years including K9 Officer Fargo in Richland County.