Latest news with #K9sUnited
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alabama law authorizes emergency care and transport for police K9s
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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
K9s United holding ‘9K for K9s' to support local furry first responders
The St. Johns County-based non-profit K9s United is raising funds to support local police dogs with its annual 9K for K9s race. This year's event is set for Saturday, April 26th at the Ring Power Corporate Headquarters Complex in St. Augustine. There will be multiple categories to accommodate different skill levels and preferences, beginning with an untimed 1-mile fun run. The 5k and 9k will be timed with awards for the top participants in each category. If you can't make it out in person, there is a 'NO EXCUSE' virtual version of the two. 100% of all money raised will go towards K9s United's effort of supporting and honoring K9 law enforcement officers with new equipment, training, amenities and medical care. In addition to the race, there will be music, a vendor marker, and a photo booth where you and your family can snap a photo with one of our local K9 heroes. Related: Meet Pepper! Jacksonville Sheriff's Office introduces newest K9 officer Everyone who registers by the April 11th shirt deadline will get a t-shirt or a K9s United branded bandana for their dog. K9s United says that participants should only bring dogs if they are a service animal. To register, click here. Since the non-profit's creation, K9s United officials say they've been able to pass two new laws protecting K9s and donated more than $1.7 million worth of equipment and training. This month, K9s United hit its goal, officially getting its specialty license plate into production. To learn how to get a plate for your own car and support the organization, click here. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
