Covington K-9 to become first victim protected under Ernie’s Law

COVINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- A police dog in Covington will become the first victim protected by the law named in his honor.

According to the Kenton County prosecutor, K-9 Ernie was hurt Friday on I-75 when a man accused of driving under the influence hit the cruiser carrying the dog.

50 year-old Asfaw Kassahun is facing several charges including DUI and assault on a service animal.

That charge is new.

It became part of the law in 2017 and made an assault on a service animal a felony.

The law was named Ernie’s Law for the same K-9 hit on Friday.

Ernie was previously shot twice in 2015 when police tried to arrest a man later convicted of stabbing his mother.

He was also hurt in another car crash in 2016.

Now, according to the prosecutor, Ernie is out of the hospital and working toward recovery.