Gov. Cuomo Signs Legislation Increasing Penalties for Killing Police Dogs

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation Wednesday known as "Ape's Law," in honor of the German Shepard killed in the line of duty during a stand off in Herkimer.

The law increases penalties for the killing of a police animal to a felony. Currently, the penalty is a Class A misdemeanor. The new law goes into effect Nov. 1.

Cuomo also signed into law a bill that allows police departments to waive the requirement that police dog be confined for 10 days after a biting incident while on duty. That law takes effect immediately, and allows police departments to ask for a waiver from a local health department.