A 2021 photo from the Seymour Police Department shows a canine and his handler in training.
THE VALLEY – Two Valley lawmakers want to create a state fund to provide financial assistance for the care of retired police dogs.
State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R‑105) and state Rep. Mary Welander (D‑114) recently proposed a bill titled “An act establishing a fund to provide financial assistance for the care of police dogs after retirement.” Click here to read the bill.
“There are many dogs in Connecticut serving and protecting us, but when those canines retire, sometimes they don’t get the help they need,” Klarides-Ditria said. “When these dogs retire, they should be treated like heroes, and, if they have medical bills, we should pay them.”
Working dogs retired from the military or law enforcement have been known to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Klarides-Ditria said. The money could be used, potentially, to cover treatment costs, she said.
Canine PTSD is a field of study that has expanded in the last 20 years, and is recognized by the American Kennel Club. Nonprofit groups such as the K9 PTSD Center in Massachusetts have opened to help the animals.
“We need to protect those that are willing to give their lives protecting us,” Klarides-Ditria said.
Welander said lawmakers in neighboring Massachusetts are trying to get “Dakota’s Law” passed. It’s a bill that would also provide funding for the care of retired police canines.
According to a CBS News article, Dakota is a dog that responded to the Boston Marathon bombing in April 2013, and then developed PTSD. A 2023 documentary, “Healing Dakota,” chronicles the dog’s journey.
The documentary’s trailer is embedded below.
Welander said Delaware and Florida have similar laws on their books regarding funding retired police dog’s expenses, and according to the National Police Dog Foundation, Virginia recently proposed a similar bill.
“This would be a small way to say thank you to the dogs, their partners and their families for their service in keeping us all safe,” Welander said.
Welander said a dollar amount for the fund has not been finalized. She said it shouldn’t take too much money because there’s a small number of retired police dogs.
“The priority is medical care and any support services needed to ensure a comfortable life for these pups after their service,” Welander said. “These police dogs are special. They and their partners are working or training for the majority of their waking moments. The overwhelming majority of police dogs continue to live with their handlers after retirement. After dedication like that, making sure that they do not have to worry about any vet costs that may come up is the least we can do.”
Welander said the bill has been referred to the legislature’s public safety committee, and then onto a public hearing.
Alexandra Kowalski, a spokesperson for the National Police Dog Foundation in California, said legislation that helps police dogs should be supported.
“When these police canines retire, they deserve a peaceful and comfortable transition into civilian life,” Kowalski told the Valley Indy via an email. “Unfortunately, the financial responsibility of caring for retired service dogs, particularly those with medical issues resulting from years of dedicated service, can be a barrier for potential adopters.”
The National Police Dog Foundation awards grants that can be used to support retired working dogs. Click here for more information.
