VIDEO: On National Police K9 Day, Senator Moody and Congressman Bean Champion Legislation to Strengthen Protections for Law Enforcement Animals

Home How Can I Help? News Contact Us Share Your Opinion Federal Nominations Scheduling Request Storm Preparation About Search for: Home How Can I Help? News Contact Us Share Your Opinion Federal Nominations Scheduling Request Storm Preparation About All News VIDEO: On National Police K9 Day, Senator Moody and Congressman Bean Champion Legislation to Strengthen Protections for Law Enforcement Animals Sep 1, 2026 JACKSONVILLE, Fla.— It’s National Police K9 Day, and Senator Ashley Moody is championing legislation to strengthen protections for law enforcement animals. Senator Moody and Congressman Aaron Bean recently held a ceremony with law enforcement leaders in Jacksonville to spotlight the LEO K9 Protection Act. The measure strengthens penalties for intentionally harming law enforcement animals and expands federal protections to cover state and local police animals assisting federal law enforcement. “Police K9s are not equipment or accessories. They are highly trained members of law enforcement who charge toward dangers that send others running. I introduced the LEO K9 Protection Act to strengthen protections for these canines and hold those who intentionally harm our four-legged law enforcement heroes accountable. I will continue fighting to ensure Florida law enforcement has the support and resources needed to keep us safe—and that includes our special K9s,” said Senator Ashley Moody . “Our working K9s serve on the front lines, protecting officers and communities alike,” said Congressman Aaron Bean . “They deserve real protection, not just praise—and the LEO K9 Protection Act will provide it by strengthening penalties for individuals who use a deadly weapon to harm these heroic animals in the line of duty. We must ensure that the sacrifices of courageous K9s like Leo are never forgotten and that the next injured K9 has the best chance to return home. By enacting this bill, we can guarantee that K9s receive the urgent care they deserve and help prevent more handlers from experiencing the heartbreak of losing their partners in the line of duty.” BACKGROUND: Senator Moody introduced the LEO K9 Protection Act, legislation aimed at strengthening penalties for individuals who use a deadly weapon to harm a federal police dog or horse in the line of duty. The bill expands federal protections to include state, county, and local law enforcement animals assisting a federal agency. This legislation provides a good-faith exception for individuals providing emergency veterinary care to injured law enforcement animals. The bill directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue regulations allowing emergency medical service providers to transport injured police animals at their discretion. This legislation was named in honor of K9 Leo, a fallen Marion County, Florida, canine deputy. This bill was originally introduced in the House by Congressman Aaron Bean (R-FL-4). # # # Join the Newsletter Email Address First Name Last Name Follow Follow Follow Follow Copyright 2024 Follow Follow Follow Follow Usage Policy PDF Help Privacy Policy Senate.gov