‘Nero’s Bill’ would allow emergency treatment for police dogs

Emergency personnel would be able to treat and transport injured police dogs under a bill filed by a Cape Cod lawmaker. Sponsored by Centerville Republican Rep. Will Crocker, the legislation is dubbed “Nero’s Bill” in honor of Yarmouth Police Sgt. Sean Gannon’s canine.Nero was injured in the April 2018 shooting that killed Gannon, but, under current state law, could not be treated or transported by the Emergency Medical Service providers who responded, according to Crocker’s office. Instead, the dog waited until a retired K9 officer arrived at the scene to help with his injuries and drive him to an emergency veterinary hospital.“Canine police officers are an integral part of the law enforcement community and are considered members of the department,” Crocker said in a statement. “It only seems appropriate that, when it comes to being treated for any injuries incurred while on the job, they should be treated like any other member of the force.”Yarmouth Police Chief Frank Frederickson said the bill would “take away any hesitation for first responders to administer emergency care to operational K9s and transport them to a veterinary hospital without fear of the sanctions that currently exist.”