Mar 31, 2014 1 min read

State Sen. Matt Smith of Mt. Lebanon Tuesday said the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee passed Senate Bill 1261, known as “Rocco’s Law,” in honor of the Pittsburgh K-9 who died protecting his handler in January.

Smith, a Democrat who represents communities in Allegheny County’s South Hills and west, plus Peters Township in Washington County, said the bill would amend Pennsylvania’s dog law to increase penalties for the torture or killing of a police animal from a third- to a second-degree felony, which would carry a fine of $25,000 and as long as 10 years in prison.

State Sen. Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg, joined Smith as a prime sponsor of Senate Bills 1260 and 1261.

Recently, the House unanimously passed the companion to Senate Bill 1260, House Bill 2026, sponsored by Rep. John Maher, R-Upper St. Clair, who also represents Peters. That measure, which would similarly amend existing law, is now before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Smith said passing both bills is necessary because penalties for harming or killing a police dog are listed in separate areas of Pennsylvania law.