Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes criminal penalties for the mistreatment of search and rescue animals.

Highlights:

• Extends criminal penalties for the mistreatment of police dogs or horses to apply to the mistreatment of search and rescue animals and animals assisting a certified volunteer handler or first responder (Sec. 1).

• Defines a search and rescue animal as a dog or horse that is trained or certified to locate missing persons (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a first responder has the same meaning as in current law and includes any individual holding a current, valid certificate to provide services as a firefighter (Sec. 1).

• Defines a certified volunteer handler as a member of a volunteer search and rescue unit who is certified by a nationally recognized search and rescue training organization, program, or course to train or employ search and rescue dogs or horses (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text