DC: District of Columbia
Summary: Under the Prohibition of the Harm of Police Animals Act (2014), harming a police animal is a misdemeanor, or a felony up to 10 years if it causes significant injury or death. No EMS, vest, retirement or retired care law found.
Body armor
None found.
Medical & insurance
None found. Only the general emergency exemption in D.C. Code § 3-1205.02 applies; K9 MEDIC state law map (verified Sep 18, 2026).
Retirement & service limits
None found.
Post retirement care
None found.
Penalties for harming police animals
D.C. Code § 22-861 (D.C. Law 20-242, Prohibition of the Harm of Police Animals Act of 2014). Harassing, interfering with or injuring a police animal is a misdemeanor. Significant bodily injury or death is a felony up to 10 years. Owners can be liable if they fail to restrain an animal that attacks a police animal. DC Code; D.C. Law 20-242
Sources
- https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-861
- Cross state reference: K9 MEDIC state law map (verified Sep 18, 2026)
- Federal backdrop (not state law): 18 U.S.C. § 1368 makes it a crime to harm a federal police animal, up to 10 years if the animal is seriously hurt or killed (Animal Legal & Historical Center).