MA: Massachusetts
Summary: Nero's Law (2022) requires EMS to treat and transport injured police dogs. Dakota's Law, a state fund for retired police and military K9 care, became law through the FY2027 budget in July 2026. Harming a police dog carries up to 2.5 years.
Body armor
None found.
Medical & insurance
Nero's Law, Acts of 2022 ch. 23, M.G.L. c. 111C §§ 9A, 21. EMS shall treat a police dog hurt in the line of duty and take it by ambulance to a vet, unless that would delay or interfere with care for a person. The state sets protocols, and responders are immune. Sponsor Rep. Steven Xiarhos. Named for K9 Nero, wounded when Sgt. Sean Gannon was killed in 2018. Acts 2022 ch. 23; K9 MEDIC state law map (verified Sep 18, 2026)
Retirement & service limits
None found.
Post retirement care
Dakota's Law, Retired Police and Military K9 Care Fund. Added to the FY2027 state budget as an amendment by Sen. Kelly Dooner and signed by Gov. Maura Healey in July 2026. It sets up care benefits for retired police and military K9s. Western Mass News, Jul 28, 2026; Reporter Today, Jul 9, 2026
Penalties for harming police animals
M.G.L. c. 272 § 77A. Willfully injuring or interfering with a police dog or horse carries $100 to $500 and/or up to 2.5 years. malegislature.gov
Pending or failed bills
- Nero's Law (2022): enacted.
- Dakota's Law: enacted through the FY2027 budget, July 2026.
Sources
- https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2022/Chapter23
- https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section77A
- https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2026/04/14/dakotas-law-boston-marathon-dog-ptsd/
- 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).
Listing a bill or sponsor here does not mean they support the ARC Act.