Bill > S10422

This bill requires the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to establish a veterinary care program for retired law enforcement dogs and retired fire investigation dogs, defining these terms to include dogs certified by DCJS or other recognized programs that aided in criminal activity detection, law enforcement, or fire investigation. The program will cover the costs of comprehensive veterinary care, including wellness exams, treatments, emergency care, and euthanasia, for the remainder of the dog's life, provided the agency where the dog served participates and the dog meets eligibility criteria such as serving for at least five years, being retired due to injury, or being retired from THC detection work. Handlers or adopters of eligible dogs will be reimbursed for veterinary expenses upon submitting valid invoices, and the program's implementation is contingent on state appropriations.