-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert
Webster County Deputy Tyler Holbrook, right, holds on to K9 Stano's leash as Stano bites down on Humboldt County Deputy Andrew Shillington during a K9 demonstration at the Webster County Fair on Saturday afternoon.

After a career of chasing down criminals and sniffing out illegal drugs, police dogs typically retire to the homes of their human partners.

There, they transition to a life as a regular pet, doing things like playing with the kids and begging for treats. But at that point, their human partners usually become responsible for all veterinary bills.

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra has introduced legislation to provide a little help with those bills.

The measure introduced by the Republican from Hull is called the Honoring Police Officer and K9 Service Act.

It would create a $5 million grant program within the Department of Justice to assist law enforcement officers with expenses incurred by retired police dogs. The grants would be awarded to non-profit organizations that assist the owners of retired police dogs. The money would be used to pay for veterinary care, including prescriptions.

“In my conversations with police and sheriff’s departments across the Fourth Congressional District, officers themselves often cover the expenses associated with veterinary visits and other costs.,” Feenstra said in a written statement. “Our police forces are struggling to hire new officers, and our law enforcement officers already have enough on their plates. They shouldn’t be expected to spend their paychecks on routine police dog care and checkups.”

According to the congressman’s office, the legislation is supported by the National Police Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, International Union of Police Associations, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Sheriff’s Association and the National Police Dog Foundation.

The bill awaits action by committees in the House of Representatives.