Police dog Wouter was helping a SWAT team arrest an armed, wanted suspect in Wilmington when the suspect bit him and ripped away part of his ear. Even while hurt, Wouter kept working until officers had the man in custody. I'm asking the California State Legislature and the Redondo Beach City Council to make sure dogs like Wouter never go without care, while they serve or after they retire.

Police K-9s put their bodies between officers and danger. They're often sent in first, face armed suspects head-on, and take injuries meant for someone else. Wouter got treatment at ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals, and the Redondo Beach Police Department says he is recovering. That's the outcome every injured K-9 deserves.

But a K-9's needs don't end when the job does. Many retired police dogs go home with their handlers, and aging working dogs can carry old injuries for years. No family should have to choose between their budget and the dog that protected their community.

Whether you back the blue, fight for animal welfare, or both, this is something we can agree on. A dog that serves the public should be cared for by the public, for life.

I'm asking California lawmakers to create a dedicated fund that covers medical care for police K-9s injured on duty and ongoing vet care for retired K-9s statewide. Redondo Beach can lead the way right now by committing to lifetime care for Wouter and every dog on its K-9 team.

Sign the petition to guarantee Wouter and every California police K-9 the care they earned, before another injured dog is left waiting for help.