MA Legislature Passes Paramedic Care For Police K-9s

BOSTON — The Massachusetts House passed "Nero's Law" on Monday, a bill that allows injured police K-9 units to receive emergency medical care and transport from paramedics.

Massachusetts state law allows only veterinary professionals to administer care to police dogs, but that is expected to change as the bill advances to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk. Baker said he will sign the bill, according to State House News Service. The State Senate passed "Nero's Law" in November.

When the bill becomes law, emergency officials would treat police dogs the same way they would treat an injured human officer.

"I’m thrilled that it made it through the process and got to our desk, and we’ll look forward to having some sort of signing ceremony associated with that," Baker told State House News Service on Monday.

The bill is named after Yarmouth K9 Nero, Sgt. Sean Gannon's dog, who was shot in the face and neck when Gannon was fatally shot during a police standoff in 2018. Nero ultimately made a full recovery, but he had to wait four hours before a retired K-9 handler could arrive at the scene and get him to a veterinarian for surgery.

"I am deeply appreciative to everyone who took part in this process," said State Rep. Steven Xiarhos, who was Yarmouth's deputy police chief when the shooting happened. "Alongside our joy tonight, we also hold the memory of K9 Sgt. Sean Gannon — my friend and former colleague at YPD — close in our hearts today and every day."

The bill has also received support from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as well as Gannon's family, veterinarians and members of the public safety community.