Federal government to move on ‘Quanto’s Law’ after death of Edmonton police dog

OTTAWA – The federal government is signalling it will create new legislation to protect animals that work with police.

In the speech from the throne, the government said it will bring forward “Quanto’s Law” in honour of a police dog that was killed in Edmonton earlier this month.

Police complained after Quanto was stabbed during the takedown of a fleeing suspect that the strongest criminal charge that could be laid was cruelty to an animal.

The throne speech did not specify what Quanto’s Law will entail.

A private member’s bill to amend the Criminal Code is already before the House of Commons.

It singles out the harming of law enforcement animals and proposes the same five-year maximum penalty that animal cruelty carries.