The Massachusetts State Senate recently approved a bill that ensures law enforcement officers' K-9 partners receive life-saving medical attention and transport in ambulances if they are injured in the line of duty.

The bill, known as Nero's Law, was drafted in response to the shooting that claimed the life of Yarmouth Police K-9 Sgt. Sean Gannon, and severely injured his K-9 partner, Nero.

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This week our hosts, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, explore the impact such legislation could have and why veterinary professionals should be more involved.

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Dr. Ward pledges his full support of Nero’s Law and expresses his surprise when he discovered the the majority of US states don’t allow injured law enforcement K-9’s to be transported in “human” ambulances.

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Beckie shares her concern that veterinary clinics be fully integrated into the assistance of injured police K-9’s, including communicating and alerting emergency clinics of pending arrivals and for guidance on life-saving treatments.

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Dr. Ward also encourages states to provide clear guidance on treating law enforcement K-9s exposed to narcotics and emergency administration of drugs such as naloxone.

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Both discuss how the “devil is in the details” with this sort of legislation, and offer many tips to make the law more meaningful and helpful. And, yes, it starts with veterinary professionals!

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Viewfinders, what do you think about this proposed law? What are your state’s rules and regulations regarding injured police dogs?

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