Dakota's Law Aids Retired Police Dogs In State

We are hearing a lot about "Dakota's Law." That is a bill on Beacon Hill which would create a special fund for retired police dogs.

Currently, when a police K9 retires any medical bills are paid out of pocket by their handler or adopted family.

State Representatives Carlos Gonzalez of Springfield and Steve Xiarhos or Barnstable are spearheading the measure.

Rep. Xiarhos has coined this bill “Dakota’s Law,” in honor of a K-9 who inspired the K-9 PTSD Center in Seekonk. K9 Dakota responded to the Boston Marathon and his story will be featured in an upcoming Nexflix Documentary called “Healing Dakota.” James Lemonte who saved Dakota and made the movie will be in attendance as well along with Tom Stockwell of the Uxbridge Police Department K9 Unit.

The bill is currently pending before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, which is chaired by Representative Gonzalez.

(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)