Bill > SB38

This bill expands Delaware's existing law on retired law enforcement animals to include not just canines but also horses, providing financial support to owners who adopt retired service animals from specific state departments such as Correction, State Police, Natural Resources, and the State Fire Marshal's Office. The bill defines key terms like "Department" and "Owner" and establishes a reimbursement process for veterinary care and, in the case of horses, farrier services. For retired law enforcement canines, owners can be reimbursed up to $1,500 annually for veterinary expenses from the department the animal previously served, with documentation required. For retired law enforcement horses, the reimbursement increases to $5,000 annually, covering both veterinary care and farrier services. The bill specifies that veterinary care includes prescription medications, surgeries addressing substantial health risks, and cremation, but excludes elective surgeries. Each relevant department is required to create regulations detailing the reimbursement process. The law will take effect immediately but will be implemented six months after enactment, and it does not apply to law enforcement horses that retire before the implementation date.

Health and Social Services

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141754