DeSantis Signs Bill Authorizing The Transport and Treatment of Injured Police K9s

by: Tyler Shaw

On Friday morning, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office hosted a press conference where Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 388 into law. 

This legislation authorizes emergency service vehicles to transport law enforcement K9s who are injured while safeguarding Florida’s communities to a veterinary clinic. 

The bill also authorizes EMTs and paramedics to provide emergency medical care to an injured police K9 at the scene of an emergency and/or when a K9 is being transported.

This legislation builds on bill SB 96 that the Florida legislature passed and Governor DeSantis signed into law in 2019 after the loss of multiple law enforcement dogs. SB 96 previously increased the penalty for harming or using a deadly weapon against a police K9 from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony. 

“We all have a soft spot in our hearts for our four-legged friends,” DeSantis said prior to signing the bill. “These K9s use their unique abilities to save lives and to protect the people of our communities throughout Florida. And in some cases, they are the first to put their lives on the line.”