South Carolina Governor Signs Police Dog Liability Law

Gov. Nikki Haley signed a new South Carolina law giving police K-9 units some protection in court. She first signed the measure into law June 12.

Until last month, the state’s strict liability statute for dog bites meant criminal suspects could almost certainly collect a settlement if a police dog bit them.

The law made exceptions only if the person bitten was trespassing on private property or had directly harassed the dog into attacking. The new law adds an exception for certified police dogs that are on duty and responding to a lawful command or otherwise acting according to their training.