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State will provide funding for care of retired police horses if Gov. Meyer signs this bill
Legislation introduced earlier in 2025 aims to provide financial assistance to owners of retired law enforcement horses in Delaware.
Five months later, the bill is one step away from being a done deal. Here's what you need to know.
Senator Dave Lawson (R-Marydel) and Rep. Bill Carson (D-Smyrna) introduced Senate Bill 38 on Jan. 10 to provide financial assistance to owners caring for retired law enforcement horses.
The average lifespan of a horse is 25 to 30 years, with the average active-duty life span of a horse ranging from 16 to 20 years, depending on its age and health. SB 38 notes that horses used in law enforcement endure physically demanding tasks that make proper care after service 'essential for their wellbeing.'
SB 38 wants to ensure that care by expanding financial support to include up to $5,000 annually for veterinary care and farrier services for owners of these retired horses. The amount proposed initially was $3,000, but that figure was later increased as part of Senate Amendment 1 to SB 38.
In a statement from the Delaware Senate earlier this year, Lawson said it is 'our duty' to provide proper care and attention during the horses' retirement years in their new loving homes. Carson added that the retired horses are 'heroes,' saying their wellbeing is a responsibility held by the entire community.
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According to the bill's fiscal note, SB 38 requires the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the Fire Prevention Commission, the Department of Correction and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control issue veterinary care reimbursements and promulgate regulations to create a reimbursement process for retired law enforcement horse if applicable to the respective department. The FPC, DOC and DNREC do not have horses in service, but DSHS has eight in service with the Delaware State Police Mounted Patrol Unit with varying years of active-duty service.
DSP estimates that one of its horses, 16 years old, might retire soon due to an on-duty leg injury. The agency also predicts that one horse might retire every five years, with some retiring early due to 'an unusual event that may require early retirement,' such as injuries and health or behavioral issues.
SB 38's fiscal projection assumes there may be between one and two horses eligible for retirement within the first few fiscal years. As DSP's Mounted Patrol Unit ages, eligibility is expected to increase beyond the fiscal projection's scope, the document noted. The projection currently outlines a $0 minimum and a $6,000 maximum for reimbursement for fiscal years 2026 through 2028.
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SB 38 passed in the Senate on March 25 and in the House on June 12. It now awaits Gov. Matt Meyer's signature. If approved, the act is effective immediately and will be implemented six months after enactment.
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The owners of law enforcement horses that retired before the implementation of the act are not eligible for reimbursement.
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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: How care of retired Delaware police horses could be funded by state
