Governor Greitens announces support for “Champ’s Law”

Statement from Governor Eric Greitens:

“Today, after some meetings in Kansas City, I stopped by for a workout with some Kansas City police officers. We were joined by guys from the Cass County Sheriff’s office—and Champ, one of the K-9s who works with them. He’s a German Shepherd who has been with the Cass County Sheriff’s office for four years.

Last month, Champ was stabbed in the side of the neck while pursuing a suspect.

In Missouri, stabbing a police K-9 carries about the same penalty as not returning a library book.

That’s not right.

In Iowa, if you hurt a police animal, you can go to jail for up to five years. If you hurt an FBI dog, you can go to jail for up to 10 years.

We need to strengthen Missouri’s laws. These K-9s do incredible work on behalf of our people. They are trained, tough dogs, and they help keep Missourians safe. There’s a bill to do that working its way through the legislature now. It’s called “Champ’s Law,” and it’s a bill I support.

Champ is a fighter. He’s recovered from his wounds, and he’s back on duty. We’re grateful for him and for the men and women of law enforcement.”

Gov. Greitens with Champ.