Maine (ME): police and working animal protection laws
Body armor
Medical & insurance (including EMS treatment of injured K9s)
14 M.R.S. § 164-B. EMS, handlers and officers who voluntarily give trained first aid to law enforcement or SAR dogs are immune. This is an immunity shield, not authority to treat. K9 MEDIC state law map, verified 18 Sep 2026. Maine is also on VIN's list of transport and treatment states (VIN News, 2 Oct 2025).
Retirement & service limits (age or service limits, handler adoption rights)
none found.
Post retirement care (retired K9 care funds)
Penalties for harming police animals (context)
17-A M.R.S. § 752-B (law enforcement dogs) and § 752-D (law enforcement horses). Killing or permanently disabling one is a Class C crime; injuring or mistreating one is Class D. § 752-B; § 752-D
Pending or failed bills
Sources
- https://www.mainelegislature.org/LEGIS/STATUTES/25/title25ch203.pdf
- https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_127th/billtexts/SP059801.asp
- https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec752-B.html
- 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).