Senate Approves 'Schultz' Bill

TRENTON—The state Senate on Thursday approved legislation crafted in response to the slaying of Gloucester Township Police K-9 "Schultz" that would require a five-year prison sentence for those found guilty of killing a police dog.

Under the bill (S-2541), criminals found guilty of killing a police dog, or a dog engaged in a search-and-rescue operation, would receive a mandatory minimum five-year prison term, with no eligibility for parole, and a $15,000 fine.

Sens. Fred Madden and Donald Norcross are the bill's primary sponsors.

"Police dogs are not dogs that simply work alongside our police—they are part of the police force,” Madden (D-Gloucester/Camden) said. “Targeting and killing a police dog should be viewed no less harshly than directly assaulting a police officer. 'Schultz' died in the line of duty doing exactly what he and every police dog has been trained to do—hunt down criminal suspects and help their human handlers arrest them so they can be brought to justice.”

"Schultz" died Nov. 30 after being struck by a car on Route 42 in Blackwood. The dog had tracked down a robbery suspect.

Skyler J. Robinson, of Washington Township, is facing charges for allegedly robbing the Lucky Dragon Chinese restaurant in Blackwood and in the death of K-9 "Schultz."

While the dog was attempting to apprehend Robinson, the suspect "managed to throw 'Schultz'" into the southbound lanes of Route 42, where a car struck the K-9, police said. "Schultz" died at the scene.

Those found guilty of killing a police dog currently face prison sentences of three to five years and a fine of up to $15,000.

The Madden/Norcross bill was approved by a vote of 40-0. It now moves to the Assembly.

"There is no doubt that 'Schultz' was considered every bit a working member of the police by the community and considered a hero among its residents for his work to keep them safe,” Norcross said.