AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature advanced a bill this week from Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, that would provide reimbursement for the health care expenses of retired law enforcement, corrections and search and rescue dogs who worked for the state.
"These dogs have dedicated years of hard work in service to our state," said Hepler. "Working dogs are at a higher risk for a number of conditions common to older dogs, such as arthritis and knee, hip and back injuries. Paying some of the costs of their care seems like a reasonable benefit we can provide to these retired state employees and their handlers, who are responsible for their care."
As amended, LD 1234 would provide funding for the Department of Public Safety to reimburse authorized handlers for up to $5,000 per year for the health care expenses of their retired dogs who worked for the Department of Public Safety, the State Police, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Department of Corrections. Currently, handlers are required to pay for their dog's care out-of-pocket once they retire.
The bill faces further votes in the Senate pending final funding decisions by the full Legislature.
Hepler is the House chair of the Marine Resources Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee as well as the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee. She is serving her third term in the Maine House and represents Arrowsic, Georgetown, Phippsburg, West Bath and Woolwich.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Hepler], c. 305-965-2744