Lawyers oppose ‘Koda’s Law’
The Law Society says new laws increasing penalties for harming police dogs are rushed, unnecessary and being made without proper consideration because of a single incident.
The proposed laws, introduced to Parliament last month, make it a criminal offense with a jail term of up to five years to harm working animals including police dogs and horses, and guide dogs.
The legislation, nick-named Koda’s Law, was introduced just days after the stabbing of police dog Koda attracted widespread media attention.
The Law Society’s submission on the proposed laws notes an offense already exists for harming animals – and comes with four years’ jail time.
“There appears to be no need for new offenses,” the submission said. “The Bill introduces inconsistencies with existing legislation … to introduce yet more offenses can only complicate the law and its enforcement.
“The existing [Animal Welfare Act] provides severe penalties for offenses… the existing Act is wide enough to cover ‘working animals’.
“In addition, there already exist in the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 three offenses with respect to harm to animals.”
A single incident should not be the basis for new laws, the society said in its submission.
“One incident is not an appropriate basis for rushed legislation with potentially broad effects.”
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Announcing the new laws in August Premier Jay Weatherill said the attack on Koda indicated working animals needed stronger legal protection.
“Police officers place themselves in danger every day to keep the community safe and a large part of their daily duties can include working with dogs and horses,” Weatherill said.
“After the weekend’s events there can be no doubt that these animals need greater protection under the law because of the dangerous situations they face.”
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