ST. PAUL — Major the police dog helped usher in stiffer criminal penalties in Minnesota for people who harm or kill public safety animals.

Gov. Mark Dayton signed the bill Tuesday with Major at his side. The German shepherd is now retired from the Roseville Police Department after a robbery suspect stabbed him four times last November.

Dayton praised public safety dogs for their “courage and heroism” and said assaults against them are an assault on the integrity of society.

Major’s owner, Roseville officer John Jorgensen, says the dog will probably never be able to use his hind legs again. Major gets around with the aid of a small cart attached to his hindquarters.

The bill Dayton signed passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the state House and Senate.