Rhode Island Senate Bill S3019

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/14/22
• Refer: 6/14/22
• Report Pass: 6/16/22
• Engrossed: 6/22/22
• Enrolled: 6/23/22
• Passed: 6/29/22

Caption

Animal Care

Impact

The bill establishes a framework for EMS personnel to administer basic first aid, CPR, and other life-saving interventions to injured police dogs during emergencies. It mandates the Department of Health to develop specific protocols for the safe handling and transportation of these animals, which includes identifying appropriate veterinary facilities equipped to provide emergency care. This legislative change acknowledges and institutionalizes the critical role of K-9 units, ensuring that they receive timely medical attention akin to their human counterparts.

Summary

S3019 is a legislative act concerning the care and transportation of police dogs injured in the line of duty. The bill seeks to amend Chapter 4-19 of the General Laws under 'Animal Care' to ensure that emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are authorized to provide treatment and transport to injured police dogs. The act defines a 'police dog' as any dog owned by a police department or agency and emphasizes the importance of their welfare, paralleling the care provided to human officers in similar situations.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding S3019 could arise from the logistics of implementing these protocols, particularly concerning emergency services' priorities during dire situations. Critics may question how EMS personnel can balance the needs of injured police dogs with those requiring human emergency support. The bill does provide a safety clause, allowing the Department of Health to grant waivers if compliance would pose a risk to public safety, which suggests recognition of the complexities involved in emergency care scenarios.