Kentucky (KY): police and working animal protection laws
Summary: One of the few states with K9 body armor funding. The Law Enforcement Protection Program under KRS 16.220 reimburses body armor for officers and service animals. HB 115 (2023) made assaulting a police dog a Class D felony. No EMS or retired care law found.
Body armor
Medical & insurance (including EMS treatment of injured K9s)
none found. Only general vet exemptions (KRS 321.200); 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.
Penalties for harming police animals (context)
KRS 525.200, assault on a service animal in the first degree ("service animal" includes police dogs). Killing or seriously injuring one, or injuring it with a weapon, is a Class D felony. Raised from a misdemeanor by HB 115 (2023 RS), Acts ch. 169. KRS 525.200; 2023 Acts ch. 169; WCHS
Pending or failed bills
- HB 115 (2023): enacted.
Sources
- https://homelandsecurity.ky.gov/Pages/LEPP.aspx
- https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=54128
- https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/acts/23RS/documents/0169.pdf
- Cross state reference: K9 MEDIC state law map, verified 18 Sep 2026
- Federal backdrop (not state law): 18 U.S.C. ยง 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).