Texas Bill Now Allows Police Dogs To Be Adopted By Handlers After Retirement

Dec 20, 2019

Before November 5, 2019, police dogs and horses were considered government property. There was no provision for giving loving homes to the animals that had served their communities so well. However, in Texas, lawmakers have worked to make sure police dogs can be adopted by their handlers after retirement. 

Police departments across the state have found ways to get around the requirements. They frequently sell the animal to its handler for $1. Now, though, the Sheriffs of several Texas counties, along with lawmakers in the House and Senate, have successfully pushed through a proposition to change the way police animals are retired.

Before the proposition, the state constitution said law enforcement animals were “surplus government property not to be used for private benefit,” as per the Texas Tribune. 

According to the Texas Tribune, Sheriff Jim Skinner, of Collin County, worked to bring the problem to the attention of lawmakers. He experienced the bond between officer and dog when he worked with Jessie, his Air Force K-9 partner in the Philippines. He extended his tour several times so that he wouldn't have to leave Jessie.

Proposition 10 allows a dog's handler to adopt the animal when either the dog or the officer is ready to retire. There would be no fees attached. Police dogs and horses get special training. They will require owners who understand them and are capable of handling them.

The people of Texas, dog lovers all, passed the Proposition with a whopping 94% yes vote. There will no longer be anxiety about the future of an officer's canine or equine partner. Each animal will go home with the person, who has been the center of its life, to well-deserved comfort and love. 

Texas has changed the way police dogs and horses are treated. What are the laws in your state? Let's work to make sure every hard-working police dog and horse will be able to enjoy a good life when their work is done. Tell us your thoughts on the new proposition below.