Nebraska Lawmakers Debate K-9 Emergency Care and Transport

LB 910 will allow first responders to treat and transport an injured K-9 to a veterinary clinic or similar facilityIMAGE: PexelsNebraska state lawmakers are debating a measure this week that would allow emergency medical services to provide care and transportation for Nebraska K-9s injured in the line of duty.

An article in the Nebraska Examiner reports the legislation came about after Sgt. Christopher Richardson from Nebraska City drafted a proposal and brought it to State Sen. Julie Slama from Dunbar, who represents Nebraska City. The two worked together to draft a final proposal, which Richardson later took to State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, a Health and Human Services Committee member, who introduced Legislative Bill 910 (LB 910).

LB 910 permits an emergency care provider to treat and transport an injured K-9 to a veterinary clinic or similar facility, the article reported. Nebraska state law currently forbids any type of emergency care to be provided for an animal, including bandaging a minor cut, according to the article.

Richardson told the media outlet that trauma care for dogs in the field is equivalent to that for humans. However, he noted current regulations require police to transport injured K-9s for in a squad car. This mandate delays medical care by as much as 45 minutes and can lead to the K-9’s death, he reported. 

Under the proposed legislation, priority would still be given to humans in need of medical care or transport, and K-9 care or transportation is not mandated, the article reported. The legislation provides civil and criminal liability for EMS workers operating in “good faith” in caring for the dogs, it added.

If passed, Riepe’s legislation would take effect on July 1, 2025 to give Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services time to set associated rules and regulations, the Nebraska Examiner reported.