2 proposed bills would help injured and retired K9 dogs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts legislators are proposing two bills that would help protect injured and retired police K9s.

Dakota's Law aims to provide funding for retired police dogs, where the second bill will expand on a previous bill, Nero's Law , that allowed basic first aid to be given to police dogs injured in the line of duty.

"When an officer retires, they leave with a pension, health care, and support," said Sgt. Erik Ramsland, K9 Commander of the Massachusetts State Police. "When a K9 retires they leave with nothing."

Dakota's Law and Nero's Law

The cost of their care and medical needs are usually covered by the department, a nonprofit, or the handler themselves. Ramsland spoke in front of legislators at the State House on Thursday. His retired dog got sick, and the bills cost him more t