The Massachusetts Joint Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee (JPSHSC) has scheduled a virtual public hearing for Wednesday, July 14, 2021, from 10am to 1pm on multiple bills, including HB 2547 and SB 1606, which would allow emergency care and transportation for a police dog injured in the line of duty.
Please join the American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) in valuing the contribution these working and detection dogs make, and the important role they play, by asking the committee to support “Nero’s Law” (HB 2547 and SB 1606).
Consider the following talking points when contacting the committee:
- An estimated 250 police K-9s work in the state of Massachusetts.
- Police K-9s are specially trained and certified to serve multiple purposes from search and rescue to explosive detection.
- Supporting Nero’s Law would ensure emergency treatment and transportation when these exceptional dogs are injured in the line of duty.
BACKGROUND:
These bills are named for “Nero”, the K9 partner of fallen Yarmouth Police Sergeant Sean Gannon who was shot and killed in the line of duty in April 2018. Nero was also shot, but current state law prevented EMTs from treating or transporting him.
An estimated 250 Massachusetts police K9s work to assist law enforcement in protecting the peace and security of individuals and communities. Earlier this month, the Braintree Police Department’s K9 Kitt, a 12-year veteran, was shot and killed while engaging with an armed suspect. As a result, officials there are calling for passage of Nero’s law.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Massachusetts residents are encouraged to contact the JPSHSC with a request to favorably release Nero’s Law.
- Written comments can be emailed to Dave McNeill at david.mcneill@mahouse.gov and Cara Libman at cara.libman@masenate.gov.
- Anyone wishing to verbally testify before the committee virtually, on July 14, between 10am and 1pm, must register to do so before Monday, July 12, at 5pm using this form.
For more information on this or other legislative issues in Massachusetts, contact AKC GR at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org; or the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners at info@massfeddogs.org.