Georgia (GA): police and working animal protection laws
Summary: Harming a law enforcement animal carries up to a felony with a $50,000 fine. HB 990 (2026), a retired-K9 vet grant capped at $5,000 per dog per year, passed the House but died in the Senate. No EMS-treatment law found.
Body armor
none found.
Medical & insurance (including EMS treatment of injured K9s)
none found. Only general vet practice exemptions (O.C.G.A. § 43-50-44); K9 MEDIC state law map, verified 18 Sep 2026.
Retirement & service limits (age or service limits, handler adoption rights)
none found.
Post retirement care (retired K9 care funds)
none found in force. See HB 990 below.
Penalties for harming police animals (context)
O.C.G.A. § 16-11-107. Physical harm is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. Debilitating injury or shooting is a felony of 1 to 5 years and up to $25,000. Death is a felony of 18 months to 5 years and up to $50,000. Restitution is required. Justia
Pending or failed bills
- HB 990 (2025-26 session). A grant program run by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for vet costs of retired law enforcement dogs, funded by voluntary contributions and capped at $5,000 per dog per year. Sponsors: Reps. Imani Barnes (D), Clint Crowe (R), Sandy Donatucci (R), Bill Hitchens (R), Soo Hong (R), Steven Sainz (R); Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R). Crossed over Mar 4, 2026, read a second time in the Senate Mar 25, 2026. Dead at sine die (BillTrack50 shows 04/02/2026). legis.ga.gov; BillTrack50
Sources
- https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72257
- https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2022/title-16/chapter-11/article-4/part-1/section-16-11-107/
- Cross state reference: K9 MEDIC state law map, verified 18 Sep 2026
- Federal backdrop (not state law): 18 U.S.C. § 1368 makes it a crime to harm a federal police animal, up to 10 years if the animal is seriously hurt or killed (Animal Legal & Historical Center).