Politics & Government
Police Dog Protection Bill Signed Into Law
K9 officers can now be taken to hospital by paramedics under a proposal sponsored by Rep. Carol Sente.
DEERFIELD, IL - From Illinois State Representative Carol Sente: First responders put their lives on the line every day around Illinois. A new law led by state Rep. Carol Sente will ensure they get the care they need if injured on the scene, whether they’re on two legs or four.
Sente’s House Bill 2661 was signed into law last week. She joined Gov. Bruce Rauner, her colleagues and
officials with the Illinois State Police, including ISP police dogs, at a bill signing ceremony during the Illinois State Fair.
Sente, D-Vernon Hills, worked closely with Mundelein Public Safety Director Eric Guenther on the law.
Guenther’s department had added a police dog, Titan, but soon realized state law was unclear.
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If responders are injured on duty, they can receive immediate medical care and be transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. But what if the responder needing help is a canine?
The new law makes clear police dogs can be taken to a veterinary clinic or similar facility by a paramedic if they are injured in the line of duty, as long as emergency personnel are not otherwise taking care of humans.
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“I want to thank Director Guenther for working with me on this great idea to show the same respect and
dignity for all of those who risk their lives to protect us,” Sente said. “The strong support from my colleagues in the Legislature and the Governor shows this is a commonsense protection for all of the first responders who keep our communities safe, and I was glad to do my part to show our police we have their backs.”
Guenther said his department is very excited to see this new law provide protection for Titan and 20 other
police departments in Lake County with K9 units.
“Our departments spend considerable investment in our canine officers and are reassured to know if they
incur a life-threatening injury, just like their human handler, we will be able to do everything possible to save their lives,” Guenther said. “It was a pleasure to work with Rep. Sente on this legislation, as we have on prior bills. She is a good friend to law enforcement.”
The bill passed the Illinois House 107-0 and the Senate 52-0 in the spring. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2018.
Image via State Rep. Carol Sente
