KY: Kentucky
Summary: One of the few states with K9 body armor funding. The Law Enforcement Protection Program under KRS 16.220 reimburses body armor for officers and service animals. HB 115 (2023) made assaulting a police dog a Class D felony. No EMS or retired care law found.
Body armor
KRS 16.220, Law Enforcement Protection Program (LEPP), run by the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. Reimburses body armor meeting NIJ standards for sworn officers and "service animals, as defined in KRS 525.010," which includes police dogs. Agencies may seek replacement armor only after 5 years in use. Paid as a reimbursement grant. KOHS LEPP; KRS 16.220 via FindLaw.
Medical & insurance
None found. Only general vet exemptions (KRS 321.200); K9 MEDIC state law map (verified Sep 18, 2026).
Retirement & service limits
None found.
Post retirement care
None found.
Penalties for harming police animals
KRS 525.200, assault on a service animal in the first degree ("service animal" includes police dogs). Killing or seriously injuring one, or injuring it with a weapon, is a Class D felony. Raised from a misdemeanor by HB 115 (2023 RS), Acts ch. 169. KRS 525.200; 2023 Acts ch. 169; WCHS
Pending or failed bills
- HB 115 (2023): enacted.
Sources
- https://homelandsecurity.ky.gov/Pages/LEPP.aspx
- https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=54128
- https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/acts/23RS/documents/0169.pdf
- Cross state reference: K9 MEDIC state law map (verified Sep 18, 2026)
- Federal backdrop (not state law): 18 U.S.C. ยง 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).