With the COVID-19 pandemic altering the Massachusetts legislature’s process last year, “Nero’s Law”, which would allow emergency care and transportation for a police dog injured in the line of duty, unfortunately did not make it onto the Governor’s desk before the end of the session. The bill is 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. The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) is pleased to acknowledge and thank Representative Steven Xiarhos for re-filing the bill for consideration during the 2021-2022 session.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Massachusetts residents are encouraged to contact their member of the Massachusetts Senate and House and ask them to sign on as a co-sponsor to HD 326.
Find your lawmakers’ contact information by searching with your address here. Please tell your lawmakers the following:
- An estimated 200 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 HD 326 would ensure emergency treatment and transportation when these exceptional dogs are injured in the line of duty.
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.