Woof! (Translation: If Police Animals Get Extra Protection, They Can Thank Bridgewater's Dano)

A Bridgewater police dog named Dano is behind a proposed state law that increases penalties for injuring or threatening the life of any law enforcement animal.

Titled Dano's Law, the bill makes the taunting, tormenting or threatening of a police animal punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and 18 months in jail. The crime is currently classified as a disorderly persons offense, carrying a fine of upwards of $1,000 and jail time of up to 6 months.

The bill is being sponsored by Sen. Christopher Bateman, of Branchburg.

"Law enforcement animals do an amazing amount of good," Bateman said at the bill's introduction. "It should be crystal clear to everyone that these animals deserve and are legally entitled to respect and safety."

The inspiration for Dano's Law occurred in 2008, when the furry narcotics specialist was threatened by a suspected drug dealer. Because Dano's handler, Bridgewater Police Lt. Tim Pino, brings the dog and K-9 vehicle home with him, the incident caused him to fear for the safety of his family. The suspect was at large for a month before being arrested on a separate charge.

Dano is 8 years old and has been serving since the age of 1.

"I think with any police K-9 or law enforcement animal, at any given time, they can make the ultimate sacrifice, and I think it's important to have laws that really protect these animals," Pino said. "In most states there are laws where the animal is treated as an extension of the officer, so it should carry through to the animal."

Pino is in charge of the Somerset County Sheriff's Office K-9 division, where law enforcement handlers and their animals respond to approximately 200 calls each year. 

"A law enforcement animal is carrying a big burden and is out there protecting us, and some criminals think nothing of trying to injure an animal," Pino said.

The bill is being endorsed by several ardent proponents, including Somerset County Sheriff Frank Provenzano, Assemblywoman Denise Coyle, Assemblyman Peter Biondi, the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders led by Freeholder Patrick Scaglione of Bridgewater and the Bridgewater Township Council led by Council President Matthew Moench. Also supporting it are the town councils of North Plainfield, Watchung and Far Hills.

Pino said he believes acts of violence, or at least the threats of them, against police animals actually happen quite often in law enforcement, but usually do not get reported.

"I think right now, the consequences are not strict enough, but we are a team," he said. "A threat against Dano is a threat against both of us."