What’s The Punishment For Harming An Idaho Police Animal?

When we think of our first responders, we often think of the brave men and women who kiss their families goodbye before walking into work with uncertainty.

"What's going to happen today?"

"Will I encounter someone or something dangerous?"

We're not officers but we can only imagine these are just some of the millions of thoughts that echo through their brains every day as they suit up to keep us all safe.

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes

We're not saying we all forget, but many of us overlook the duties of the animals that work to keep us safe.

Recently, the community mourned the tragic passing of Nampa Police K-9 Riddick. According to a post from the Nampa Police Department, Riddick was in a patrol SUV with his handler, Officer Cody Huss, when they were rammed by a suspect they were pursuing.

The collision resulted in the vehicle rolling off the roadway before crashing. According to the Nampa Police Department, Officer Huss was treated for his injuries before being released from the hospital.

K-9 Riddick tragically passed away at the scene of the accident. Nampa police say that details for a memorial will be announced soon.

The suspects who were in the vehicle, Stephanie Ann Ketterman (33) and Tanner Lucas Howe (27) were both taken into custody and will be facing some serious charges including "battery on law enforcement (felony), eluding (felony), trafficking meth (felony), possession schedule 2 controlled substance (felony), possession psilocybin mushrooms (misdemeanor), possession schedule 4 controlled substance (misdemeanor) and possession paraphernalia (misdemeanor)."

In the wake of Riddick's death, many are calling for the suspects to be charged to the full extent of the law.

But, what is the punishment for injuring or killing a police animal?