On Wednesday, members of the Massachusetts State Senate gave unanimous support to Nero’s Law, which allows first responders to give care to injured police K9s who are hurt in the line of duty. The bill was created after a 2018 incident that claimed the life of Yarmouth Police K-9 Sgt. Sean Gannon, a New Bedford native, and severely injured his K-9 partner, Nero.
Because the existing Massachusetts law prohibits K9s from being transported, or treated, by first responders, Nero had to be transported to an emergency veterinary hospital in the back of a police cruiser. Nero survived the gunshot wounds, but lawmakers decided that more could be done to protect and care for the working dogs who serve their communities.
Senate President Karen Spilka stated:
“Providing emergency medical services to police dogs injured in the line of duty is both compassionate and appropriate, especially in light of what we’re asking them to do. Service dogs play a necessary role in effective law enforcement operations, and they deserve our support.”
The bill will now advance to the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
(Stock image via Pixabay)
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FINALLYl. SOOOOO GLAD!