Questions and answers

How does the ARC Act relate to the LEO K9 Protection Act?

We also support the LEO K9 Protection Act (S. 4643 in the Senate, H.R. 4755 in the House). It brings tougher federal penalties (up to 15 years) for harming a police dog or horse with a deadly weapon, and EMS care: paramedics and EMTs may treat injured police dogs on scene and transport them to a vet. The ARC Act adds what it doesn't: armor, a retirement age, and vet care after retirement.

The two bills work together. Listing the LEO K9 Protection Act here does not mean its sponsors support the ARC Act.

Why do police horses have a different limit from police dogs?

Horses live much longer than dogs, so the dog limit (7 years of service or age 10) would end most horses' careers early. Under the ARC Act, police horses retire after 15 years of service or at age 20, whichever comes first, or sooner if a vet certifies them unfit. There is no extension. The 15 is the campaign's own number, not an agency's published rule. Age 20 reflects what mounted units report in news coverage, which we are still confirming with the units.