Bean Bill Targets Violence Against Police Animals

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) proudly introduced the LEO K9 Protection Act, a bill aimed at strengthening penalties for individuals who use a deadly weapon to harm a federal police dog or horse in the line of duty.

Named in honor of K9 Leo, a fallen Marion County, Florida, canine deputy, the bill expands federal protections to include any state, county, or local police animal assisting a federal agency. It also provides a good-faith exception for emergency veterinary care and directs USDOT to allow EMS providers to transport injured police K9s, at their discretion.

This announcement comes as attacks on ICE agents have surged 830%, underscoring the urgent need to extend protections to their canine and equine partners, who face the same threats in the line of duty. 

Upon introduction, Congressman Bean said: “Our police dogs and horses serve on the front lines, protecting officers and communities alike. They deserve real protection, not just praise—and the “LEO K9 Protection Act” will deliver tougher penalties against those who harm these heroic animals in the line of duty.”

The legislation was introduced in collaboration with K9s United, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for law enforcement animals.

“This is a defining moment in the fight to protect federal working K9s who defend our nation every day,” said Debbie Johnson, president and founder of K9s United. “Working K9s are loyal partners, fearless protectors and beloved family members. They charge into danger without hesitation to safeguard communities and they deserve to be protected and treated with the urgency their service demands. The introduction today of the LEO K9 Protection Act is the result of years of tireless advocacy and we are proud to carry this mission forward. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Bean for standing with us to honor and protect our nation’s four-legged heroes.”

In the past year alone, 21 police K9s lost their lives in the line of duty, including K9 Leo.

“K9 Leo was more than a partner; he was family. He gave his life to protect others, and not a day goes by that I don’t feel his absence. The Leo K9 Protection Act ensures that the sacrifices of courageous K9s like Leo are never forgotten and that the next injured K9 has the best chance of returning home. By supporting this bill, we can guarantee that federal working K9s receive the urgent care they deserve and help prevent more handlers from experiencing the heartbreak of losing their partners in the line of duty,” said Sergeant Justin Tortora, Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Read the exclusive on the Leo K9 Protection Act in the Daily Caller here.

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