This bill amends existing Iowa law to allow emergency medical care providers, certified under chapter 147A, to provide veterinary medical services to police service dogs that are severely injured while on duty. The new provisions specify that these services can be rendered only if the police service dog is under the supervision of a peace officer, the injury is severe, and the treatment is necessary to stabilize the dog's condition for later care by a licensed veterinarian. Importantly, emergency medical care providers who act in good faith while providing these services will not be held civilly liable.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific conditions that emergency medical care providers must follow when treating a police service dog. They must first attend to any human victims at the scene, refrain from using or must discontinue the use of equipment needed for human care, and cease treatment if they are dispatched elsewhere. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the transportation of severely injured police service dogs in vehicles designated for emergency medical or ambulance services. These amendments aim to ensure that police service dogs receive timely medical attention while maintaining the priority of human care in emergency situations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 147A.8, 169.4