Esta ley autoriza la transferencia de perros K-9 retirados de la Policía de Puerto Rico a sus manejadores al momento de su jubilación, por una tarifa nominal de un dólar. Establece los requisitos y el proceso para dicha transferencia, reconociendo el servicio de los caninos y su vínculo con sus manejadores.
(Approved September 23, 2004)
To authorize and approve the transfer of Police K-9s from the canine division of the Puerto Rico Police to their handlers, once the same are retired.
Since times long past, man's best friend was used in self defense as well as for protection. An example of this lies in the ruins of the legendary city of Pompeii, where an ancient warning stated: "Cave canem," which in English means "Beware of the Dog." Dogs have served for many purposes, as we have come to know throughout history. Some have been used as guide dogs and others for rescue. We have also known of other uses, such as sheepherding. However, the most important tasks performed by dogs are their defense and protection abilities.
The first dog training school was founded in Germany around 1884. The dogs were trained to complement the army in tasks such as the orientation of troops and the delivery of messages through enemy lines. Furthermore, they were prepared to transport first aid equipment on the battle field. Hence, the first canine education manual emerged. It states how important it is for dogs to be handled by only one person and that the usefulness of canines depends upon their affinity with their owners.
Through the years, the use of dogs have become systematized, taking into account factors such as breed, resistance and environment. Trained dogs
also called K9s have played a vital role in all government instrumentalities devoted to protection, security and defense. Their most important task is the detection of drugs, explosives, landmines and thieves. These dogs are also efficiently used as guides for the visually impaired. During the 9/11 tragedy in 2001, these dogs were pivotal in the rescue of survivors among the debris of the Twin Towers. Without them, rescue units would not have been able to fully perform their duties and the number of fatal victims probably would have increased dramatically.
In Puerto Rico, the K9 unit of the Puerto Rico Police is a special part of the police force, contributing greatly to the performance of the tasks of protecting the citizenry and its property. These dogs are police officers considered as public servants, the same as the members of the force. Nevertheless, when a canine handler of the Puerto Rico Police retires, the dog that was assigned to him/her cannot continue to perform as an officer because it only obeys the commands of its master.
This bill intends to transfer K9s to their handlers in the Puerto Rico Police who are about to retire and who request it for the nominal fee of one dollar ($1.00). With the drafting of this bill, each K9 is guaranteed just and sensible treatment for its performance as a public servant and man's best friend is granted the opportunity to be taken home by its handler.
Section 1.- Title This Act shall be known as the "Act to Authorize and Approve the Transfer of Police K-9s from the Canine Division of the Puerto Rico Police to Their Handlers, upon Retirement."
Section 2.- Definitions For the exclusive purposes of this Act, the following terms shall have the meanings expressed hereinbelow:
(a) Dogs or canines - Means the dogs in the Police K-9 Division of the Puerto Rico Police.
(b) Dog Handler - Means the members of the Puerto Rico Police that train canines.
Section 3.- Transfer The transfer of the dogs in the K-9 Division of the Puerto Rico Police to their handlers is hereby authorized and approved under the following particular circumstances:
(a) Upon the dog handler's retirement for years of service from the Puerto Rico Police.
(b) When the canine is retired from its tasks, according to the parameters established in the corresponding regulations.
The transfer of the canine shall be for the nominal fee of one dollar ($1.00), payable to the Puerto Rico Police.
Section 4.- Transfer Request The Puerto Rico Police shall create the necessary regulations to implement this Act, including in the same all details concerning these transfers. The canine's handler shall comply with all the requirements for the transfer that are established in the regulations. The transfer request shall be made directly to the canine unit and the General Services Administration, which shall forward it to the Police Superintendent for approval.
Section 5.- Restrictions
(a) The handler of the canine shall present all the necessary evidence that is established by Regulations that while serving in
the force the canine was under his/her training and care.
(b) The Puerto Rico Police may deny the transfer by presenting evidence in this regard.
Section 6.- Effectiveness This Act shall take effect immediately after its approval.
I hereby certify to the Secretary of State that the following Act No. 461 (S.B. 2431) of the $7^{ ext {th }}$ Session of the $14^{ ext {th }}$ Legislature of Puerto Rico:
AN ACT to authorize and approve the transfer of Police K-9s from the canine division of the Puerto Rico Police to their handlers, once the same are retired, has been translated from Spanish to English and that the English version is correct.
In San Juan, Puerto Rico, today $1^{ ext {st }}$ of May of 2006.
Francisco J. Domenech Director