Missouri lawmakers have shot down a bill that would increased penalties for injuring or killing police dogs.
The house voted against the bill 73 to 68.
Opponents of the proposal said passage of the bill, that would have required those convicted to spend at least 3 years in prison, would mean harsher punishment for hurting a police dog than some sexual assaults.
Supporters say the change in the law would be fair considering the amount of money invested in the dogs.