McKee Signs Law Allowing RI Police Dogs To Be Treated By Ambulances

RHODE ISLAND — Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill into law Thursday allowing police dogs in Rhode Island who are injured in the line of duty to be treated by EMTs.

The legislation (2022-H 7021A, 2022-S 3019) allows EMTs to take police dogs injured on the job to a veterinary hospital and to provide first aid, as long as there are no humans waiting for treatment or transport.

The bill also directs the Department of Health, in consultation with police, EMTs and veterinarians, to develop policies and procedures for training EMTs for safe handling and first aid for police dogs, identifying veterinary hospitals that can accept them and sterilizing ambulances for allergens following the transportation of a police dog.

"Police dogs are often a part of difficult — and occasionally violent — situations, and this legislation ensures that these loyal members of the police departments of Rhode Island are provided with life-saving first aid in the event of a tragedy," McKee said in a statement. "I sincerely thank the bill sponsors and advocates who ensured that this critical legislation reached my desk, and it was an honor to sign it into law."