MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — Alabama is providing more services for Police K9s throughout the state.
HB 366, authorizes emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to provide medical care and transportation to police dogs injured in the line of duty.
The bill also known as the “Lakyn Canine Act,” will ensure injured police K9s receive the same emergency medical care and transportation as their human partners.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Rick Rehm (R-Dothan), also allows K9s to be transported by ambulance or helicopter to emergency veterinary care.
Additionally, the bill will protect emergency medical personnel from potential liability arising from offering critical medical care in good faith to a police dog.
“Police K9s are more than working dogs; they’re loyal partners, fearless protectors and like family,” said Debbie Johnson, president and founder of K9s United. “They charge into danger without hesitation to protect their communities, and they deserve the same urgent, life-saving care as any human officer. Passing this law is one of our proudest moments, and we are deeply grateful to Governor Ivey and Representative Rehm for standing with us to ensure Alabama’s K9 heroes receive the care they’ve earned through their service and sacrifice.”
“The Laykn Canine Act honors our police K9s and recognizes their vital role in protecting our communities with unwavering loyalty,” said Rep. Rick Rehm. “By ensuring EMS personnel can provide emergency care without fear of liability, we’re closing a dangerous gap and guaranteeing these brave dogs get the same urgent attention any hero deserves. I’m grateful to K9s United for bringing this issue to light, and proud that we’ve delivered a meaningful solution that ensures we never leave our K9s behind.”
The recent enactment of the new law isn’t so new, our neighbors in Florida also have a similar bill in place that was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2021.
HB366 in the Alabama legislature was signed into law on May 14, 2025.
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