Attackers who injure or kill police dogs or horses could be locked up for five years under proposed new laws to better protect Queensland's cutest officers.
The push for harsher penalties follows the brutal wounding of Police Dog Kaos last year.
The dog was stabbed in the chest and almost died after chasing down two men who fled from a stolen ute in Brisbane. His handler performed first aid and got Kaos to an emergency vet who saved his life.
The pair were handed short jail terms but if the government gets its way similar attacks in the future could see such offenders sent away for much longer.
The new laws would create a specific new offence when police animals are victimised, punishable by up to five years imprisonment. Current laws only provide for jail terms of two years.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said there was extraordinary public demand for heavier penalties after Kaos was stabbed.
"It's the government's strong view that it is only appropriate that PD Kaos and all his fellow canines and the horses who help to keep the community safe should have a strong law on their side," he said on Thursday.
