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Dayton Gets Bill Toughening Police Dog Abuse Fines

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A bill to increase the legal consequences for people who harm or kill police and other public safety dogs is on its way to Gov. Mark Dayton.

The House of Representatives passed the bill 109-14 on Thursday. The House had previously approved the bill but had to vote again to agree with slight changes to the bill in the state Senate, which passed it last week.

The bill increases potential restitution costs for people who hurt dogs in police actions, search and rescue, correctional facilities or arson investigations. Under the bill, killing or seriously injuring such dogs would prompt a fine up to $5,000 and restitution costs up to $25,000.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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