The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony for Nero’s law, a bill filed to allow for care and transportation of police K-9’s.
Christine James files this report:
Photo: Rep. Xiarhos and Sean Gannon’s mother, Denise Gannon
In 2018, Yarmouth Police Sergeant Sean Gannon was shot and killed while serving a search warrant in Barnstable. His K-9, Nero, was severely wounded, but Nero had to be transported in a police cruiser.
State Rep. Stephen Xiarhos filed the bill. He was a police officer for 40 years in Yarmouth and served 10 years as the Deputy Chief.
Due to current law, police K-9’s cannot be treated by paramedics.
Last month, two Braintree police officers were wounded and K-9 Kitt was fatally shot by a suspect in what police described was an ambush.
Gannon’s mother, Denise, asked for the bill to be moved out of committee and passed into law.
More information about Nero’s law can be found by searching House bill 2547 on the MA Legislature website.
