“Joker’s Law” is advancing in the Tennessee legislature, so named after a Bradley County K9 that was shot in the line of duty last year. Currently, harming a police dog is considered a non-violent crime. The new law toughens penalties for people who hurt law enforcement dogs. The bill also makes it a felony offense to kill a police, fire, search and rescue dog, service animal or police horse. The bill is headed to the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee next Tuesday. K9 Joker was shot last September shot while pursuing car burglary suspects in Cleveland. Police later arrested six juveniles. The K9’s injuries were severe and at first it was doubtful that the dog would survive. But after expert care by his vet and his human partner, Joker has recovered and is back on the job. (Photo courtesy Bradly County Sheriff’s Office Facebook)