LA: Louisiana
Summary: Causing great harm or death to a police animal carries 1 to 3 years (5 to 7 for a repeat). A 2021 law lets cities sell retired K9s to their handlers, but only for consideration matching the dog's fair market value. No EMS, vest or retired care law found.
Body armor
None found.
Medical & insurance
None found. Only general vet exemptions (La. R.S. 37:1514); K9 MEDIC state law map (verified Sep 18, 2026).
Retirement & service limits
La. R.S. 33:4712(H) (2021). Cities may pass ordinances allowing a private sale of a retired K9 to the officer who worked it. Because the state constitution bars donating public property, the sale must be for consideration proportionate to the dog's value at retirement (its fair market value), which may be money, services or another benefit. Louisiana Legislative Auditor FAQ.
Post retirement care
None found.
Penalties for harming police animals
La. R.S. 14:102.8. Intentionally causing great bodily harm, permanent disability or death to a police animal carries $5,000 to $10,000 and 1 to 3 years, or 5 to 7 years for a repeat offense, plus full restitution. legis.la.gov; Justia
Sources
- https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=78251
- https://app.lla.state.la.us/llala.nsf/vwFAQsGovernmentFAQNew/886A4D5A001FD2F9862589820054F09A
- 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).