AKC Reunite, the largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service provider in the United States, is pleased to announce a $7,500 donation to the Braintree Police Department in MA through its AKC Reunite Adopt a K-9 Cop matching grant program. Funds were raised by contributions from the South Shore Kennel Club and community members, with AKC Reunite matching donations at a three-to-one ratio. This donation comes in the wake of the death of K-9 Kitt, a 12-year veteran police dog with the Braintree Police Department who was shot and killed in the line of duty this past June.
The Adopt a K-9 Cop program allows AKC Reunite to match funds from AKC Clubs and the public, three-to-one, up to $7,500 per grant through the Canine Support and Relief fund. These donations help police departments throughout the United States purchase K-9 police dogs.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of K-9 Kitt,” said Tom Sharp, AKC Reunite CEO. “K-9 Police Dogs are such a valuable asset to police departments in our country and AKC Reunite is thrilled to be able to offer the Braintree Police Department this donation to assist in acquiring a new K-9 Police Dog.”
“Our club is honored to have contributed to this donation through the AKC Reunite Adopt a K-9 Cop matching grant program,” Linda Flynn on behalf of South Shore Kennel Club. “K-9 police dogs help keep our community safe and we are thrilled to help the Braintree Police Department make their goal of acquiring a new K-9 police dog a reality.”
K-9 Kitt’s death in the line of duty has since sparked support for the passage of “Nero’s Law,” a pending Massachusetts bill that would reverse a current law that prohibits first responders from treating or transporting working animals in most situations.
A total of 39 Adopt a K-9 Cop grants have been awarded since the inception of the program. Learn more about how to get involved in AKC Reunite Adopt a K-9 Cop program.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!