Relates to veterinary care for retired law enforcement and retired fire investigation dogs

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic19
• Republican2

This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Monica Martinez says this is needed

Law enforcement dogs play a vital role in supporting law enforcement and public safety efforts across New York state. With their incredible sense of smell, they are highly effective in detecting explosives, guns, nuclear or hazardous materials, locating illicit drugs or weapons, apprehending criminals, and assisting in search and rescue operations. Similarly, fire investigation dogs are specially trained canines meant to detect minute traces of accelerants, such as gasoline, kerosene, or lighter fluid, in the debris of a fire scene. These dogs assist investi- gators in identifying the origin of a fire, determining whether it was intentionally set, and supporting the collection of critical forensic evidence. Typically, upon retirement, the dog's handler will adopt the dog and take them home as a pet. However, oftentimes the officer may not be able to afford the veterinary bills, which can be significant, as these dogs are older and require specialized care, due to the injuries sustained on the job. Sadly, this can lead to the dog being surrendered to a shelter or even euthanized because there is no one to care for them. This bill would ensure that retired law enforcement and fire investi- gation dogs are properly cared for throughout the remainder of their lives by establishing a state program to reimburse owners or adopters for the cost of veterinary care. After years of dedicated service protecting communities and supporting public safety efforts across New York state, this legislation recognizes their contributions and helps provide the care and dignity they deserve once their service has ended.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.