State Sen. Cathy Young has introduced legislation that would make it a felony to harm a police K-9. The push comes after K-9 Mitchell of the Jamestown Police Department was injured last year. Pictured with Mitchell and Young is handler Erik Kraft. Submitted photo

The Jamestown Police Department’s K-9 Officer Mitchell, who was seriously injured in November while apprehending a murder suspect, could soon have a major impact statewide.

In recognition of his heroic actions, state Sen. Cathy Young has introduced “Mitchell’s Law,” which would make it a felony to injure a K-9 officer in the line of duty. Currently, suspects can only be charged  with a Class A misdemeanor for injuring a police dog.

“K-9 Officer Mitchell is a hero for his work assisting in the capture of a suspected murderer,” said Young, R-Olean. “His injuries were very serious and a stiffer penalty is warranted.”

Mitchell, a 6-year-old German Shepherd who’s been with the JPD since 2011, was injured during a confrontation with murder suspect Keith Robbins on Nov. 15 following a six-hour standoff at a Todd Avenue home.