'Nero's Law' Allows Medical Treatment and Transport of Massachusetts K-9s

BOSTON - The governor of Massachusetts on Tuesday signed into law a bill that allows police K-9s to be transported by emergency personnel if they are injured in the line of duty.

The bill, know as "Nero's Law," was created in response to the shooting that claimed the life of Yarmouth Police K-9 Sgt. Sean Gannon left his K-9 partner Nero severely injured, according to WCVB-TV.

In April 2018, Gannon was shot and killed while serving a warrant in the town of Barnstable. Despite the multiple ambulances on site, Nero had to be rushed to the animal hospital in the back of a patrol car with a gunshot wound to his face. Massachusetts law prohibited emergency medical personnel from treating and transporting animals.

Now a state law after receiving Gov. Charlie Baker's signature after passing both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the State Senate eight days earlier, "Nero's Law" authorizes EMS personnel to provide emergency treatment and transport of K-9 partners, including basic first aid, CPR and administering life-saving interventions such as naloxone.

“This law will help ensure the wellbeing of working dogs who risk their lives every day to keep us safe,” State Senator Mark Montigny, who introduced the legislation, said in a statement. “I hope this provides some comfort to the Gannon family who fought tirelessly for this moment that will forever honor Sean and his fearless partner Nero."

Nero, who is retired, has recovered from his injuries and now living with Gannon's widow. The man convicted of Gannon's murder and injuring Nero, Thomas Latanowich, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in connection with the shooting on Aug. 20, 2021.