On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security will accept public testimony on HB 6964, which would create a taskforce to study what provisions could be made in certain circumstances to allow emergency medical services personnel to provide emergency treatment and transportation to an injured police K-9.
Last year, the Connecticut General Assembly enacted Public Act No. 24-65, which requires anyone that injures or kills a police K-9 or volunteer search and rescue dog to pay the cost of incurred veterinary services, and if the dog is no longer able to perform its duties, the costs and expenses incurred in the purchase and training of a replacement dog, as restitution. The objective of HB 6964 would be to provide expedient treatment to an injured police K-9 and prevent such casualties.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (CFDRDO) support HB 6964; and strongly support the breeders, trainers, and handlers of working dogs. Working dogs enrich the lives of humans by performing a variety of valuable services such as handicapped assistance; drug, bomb, and arson detection; and tracking to locate missing persons or fugitives. Police K-9s are working dogs that contribute to our national security and protect the peace and security of communities.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Connecticut residents are strongly encouraged to electronically register your support by contacting the Committee before February 18, 2025.
- Click on the committee contact form here.
- Fill in the fields for your name, and select “February 18, 2025, 11:00A” from the “Hearing Date and Time” drop down menu.
- Select “HB006964-TASKFORCE TO STUDY PROVISION OF EMERGENCY TREATMENT”.
- On the right-hand side, select “Supports”.
- If you wish, you may add comments and/or upload written testimony in PDF format.
In addition, you may speak at the 11AM, February 18, 2025, public hearing in person or remotely. To do either, you must register by following these details before Monday, February 17, 2025, at 6PM.
For more information on these or other legislative issues in Connecticut, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.