Retired police dogs could ride in ambulances under a House-passed bill

Retired Michigan police dogs hurt in the line of duty (or after) would have a legal path to emergency medical transport under a bill the state House sent to the Senate.

The bill (HB 4012), sponsored by Rep. Hoadley, amends the public health code to allow ambulance crews to treat and transport a retired law enforcement canine in an emergency, with conditions, when the human patient load allows. Supporters say handlers who adopt their dogs after retirement should not have to choose between waiting for a vet and watching the animal decline. Opponents raised questions about EMS resources and liability.

After several months on second reading, the House passed the bill 61 to 43 on Roll Call No. 202 on September 8 with six members not voting and gave it immediate effect.

The Senate received the bill on September 10 and referred it to the Committee on Veterans and Emergency Services, where it currently sits.