07/19/2026
ICYMI: Senator Kelly Dooner, who is our former National Committeewoman, just got Dakota’s Law passed!
Boston, MA — July 9, 2026 — Senator Kelly A. Dooner (R-Taunton) announced today that Dakota’s Law, establishing the Retired Police and Military K9 Care Fund, has been included in the final Fiscal Year 2027 state budget approved by the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives, which has now been signed into law by Governor Healey.
Filed by Senator Dooner as a budget amendment, Dakota’s Law establishes the Retired Police and Military K9 Care Fund, a dedicated, non-lapsing fund that will provide grants for the medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care of retired police and military working K9s throughout Massachusetts. The amendment was unanimously adopted by the Senate before being retained in the final conference committee budget.
"Dakota's Law is about keeping a promise to the K9s who never hesitate to put themselves in harm's way to protect us. They serve with unmatched courage and loyalty, asking for nothing in return. Making sure they receive the medical care and support they deserve after retirement is simply the right thing to do. I am proud that this legislation earned bipartisan support throughout the budget process and is now law, ensuring retired police and military working K9s will receive the care they have earned," said Senator Dooner.
The legislation is named in honor of Dakota, a Newton Police K9 who developed canine post-traumatic stress disorder after assisting law enforcement in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings. Dakota's story brought attention to the unique challenges faced by retired working dogs and the need for dedicated resources to support their care after retirement.
“I am extremely thankful that Dakota’s Law was included in the final budget sent to the Governor. This is a strong example of what can be achieved when people from different regions of our Commonwealth come together to deliver meaningful results. Dakota’s Law is important because it helps ensure that police dogs are protected and cared for in their retirement years. These animals make extraordinary sacrifices in service to public safety, and it is both humane and morally right that we honor that commitment with proper care as they age. I appreciate the collaboration with Senator Dooner, Representative Howitt, and others in advancing this language into law,” said Representative Steven Xiarhos (R-Barnstable).
Representative Steven Howitt (R-Seekonk) noted, “As a long-standing animal advocate, it gives me great pleasure to know that the devoted canines who have provided life-saving services to the Commonwealth will have the care and attention to their health and well-being they so deserve in their golden years through Dakota’s Law.”
Senator Dooner thanked Representatives Steven Xiarhos and Steve Howitt, along with her colleagues in both the Senate and House, for their bipartisan support in advancing Dakota’s Law.
Dakota’s Law also recognizes the work of James LaMonte and the K9 PTSD Research Center in Seekonk, which grew from the rehabilitation efforts that helped Dakota recover and has since become a leader in caring for retired and traumatized police and military working K9s across the Commonwealth. Dakota’s Law will help ensure the K9s that spent their lives protecting our communities receive the care, dignity, and support they have earned in retirement.
