Madison, Wis. – State Representative Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) issued the following statement after the passage of AB 61—The K9 Riggs Act, which she authored to increase penalties for injuring or killing police or fire animals:

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“I am grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan support for AB 61, the K9 Riggs Act,” Nedweski said. “This bill resonates deeply with our local law enforcement agencies, and speaks directly to the heart of the Kenosha County community.”

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In October 2021, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Sergeant Terry Tifft and K9 Officer Riggs responded to a call in the Village of Bristol to apprehend a double homicide suspect from Illinois. While fleeing on foot, the suspect opened fire on the officers. Riggs was deployed and brought Allan Brown to the ground. In the ensuing struggle, Brown shot Riggs in the head at point-blank range. Fortunately, Riggs made a miraculous recovery from his injuries and returned to serving his community.

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“Riggs’s heroism united the community, galvanizing support for local law enforcement just a year after rioters in Kenosha protested against them,” Nedweski added. “These dogs are not only invaluable members of the department; they are also family to their partners.”

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Nedweski also commented on remarks by Democratic Socialist Rep. Clancy (D-Milwaukee), who used the bill to attack law enforcement, while mockingly referring to the legislation as punishing violent criminals for ‘killing Paw Patrol.’

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“Rep. Clancy’s disrespectful remarks are yet another example of how many out-of-touch people on the left continue to vilify law enforcement. K9 officers are often the last line of defense between officers and violent suspects. They can mean the difference between life and death. K9 officers are not a children’s cartoon–they are highly trained partners in public safety and heroes to those they serve. AB 61 acknowledges their vital role and sacrifice by increasing penalties for injuring or killing them. I’m thankful for the groundswell of support the K9 Riggs Act has received and I am hopeful that Governor Evers will sign it into law.”

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Rep. Nedweski represents the 32nd Assembly District, which includes the Town and Village of Bloomfield, Village of Bristol, Town of Brighton, Village of Genoa City, portions of Kenosha, portions of Lake Geneva, Village of Paddock Lake, Town of Paris, Village of Pleasant Prairie, Town of Randall, Village of Salem Lakes, Village of Twin Lakes, and the Town of Wheatland.

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