Yesterday, the Massachusetts Senate debated and decided numerous amendments to SB 4, its version of the budget bill. We are grateful to Senator Bruce Tarr for filing Amendment #331 and the continued support for “Nero’s Bill”. Unfortunately, in agreement with the House of Representatives, the Senate decided not to attach the bill’s text to its budget document.
Details regarding Nero’s bill can be viewed in our prior alert here.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Supporters are encouraged to contact their state representative and senator before Thanksgiving.
- Express disappointment that budget amendments authorizing emergency treatment and transport for Police K-9s injured in the line of duty were not adopted.
- Ask them to communicate with their leadership that passage of “Nero’s Bill” 4230/S.2423 before the end of this year is a priority.
- Share that 200 police K-9s work in the state of Massachusetts and are specially trained and certified to serve multiple purposes from search and rescue to explosive detection.
- Note that ensuring emergency treatment and transportation when these exceptional dogs are injured in the line of duty is the responsible thing to do.
Find your elected officials’ contact information by searching with your address here.
AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will continue to provide updates on this important matter. For more information on these or other legislative issues in Massachusetts, contact AKC GR at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org; or the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners at info@massfeddogs.org.