Michigan (MI): police and working animal protection laws
Summary: Killing or seriously harming a police dog or horse is a felony up to 5 years. Ambulances may transport injured police dogs. HB 4012 (2025), which would allow ambulance transport of retired police dogs, passed the House and is stuck in Senate committee.
Body armor
none found.
Medical & insurance (including EMS treatment of injured K9s)
MCL 333.20925 (2018 PA 600, eff. Mar 29, 2019). Ambulances may transport a police dog hurt in the line of duty if no person needs it. Transport only. Animal Legal & Historical Center; 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)
Pending: HB 4012 (2025-26), sponsor Rep. Mike Hoadley (R-Au Gres). Would allow ambulance transport of retired police dogs needing emergency vet care. Passed the House 61-43 on Sep 9, 2025; referred to the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee on Sep 11, 2025. legislature.mi.gov; Michigan House GOP
Penalties for harming police animals (context)
MCL 750.50c. Killing or seriously harming a police dog, police horse or SAR dog is a felony up to 5 years and $10,000. Lesser harm or interference is a misdemeanor up to 1 year and $5,000, or a 2-year felony if done during a crime. legislature.mi.gov
Pending or failed bills
- HB 4012 (2025): pending in the Senate.
Sources
- https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-750-50C
- https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4012
- 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).