The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee has passed legislation, that if enacted, would criminalize any harm or killing of a police dog in the state, according to an article in West Virginia Metro News.

The proposed bill seeks to amend the West Virginia Code, making it explicitly "unlawful to harm, attempt to harm, or kill a police dog that is under the control of a law-enforcement or corrections officer who is acting in his or her official capacity,” the media outlet reported. The article also reported that the bill defines the term "police dog" as one specially trained and utilized by a law enforcement or corrections agency and outlines the corresponding penalties for violations.

Senate Bill 399, abbreviated as SB 399, will now proceed to the full Senate for further consideration, according to West Virginia Metro News.

Leading the charge as the primary sponsor of the bill is Senator Ryan Weld from Brooke County. Senator Weld said he views this legislation as an essential means for the state to send a message of unwavering support for K-9 officers and their dedicated service. He is quoted as saying, "This is a policy statement that … we are going to protect these officers, and we will hold those who injure them or kill them liable."