Nonprofit, GRPD Officer Urges ‘Dozer’s Law’ and Seeks Justice for Injured K9s

The work of K-9 companions cannot be understated here in West Michigan. Whether it was Sledge, the K9 in Kalamazoo who was stabbed in the line of duty or the K9 Dozer who was injured after being hit by a speeding car.

But there was a big difference: after the math, the people who injured Dozer were not charged for their crimes.

Michigan law states that if a person injures or kills a K9 animal while attempting or committing a crime, they will not be punished for it.

But the national nonprofit K9 Hero Project and Officer Teddy Vanvliet of the Grand Rapids Police Department are pushing for change in the form of two bills.

State Rep. Jennifer Conlin of the 48th District introduced House Bills 6042 and 6043 on Nov. 7, hoping they will pass before the end of the year.

Agent Vanvliet may be a little biased, but he knows how important it is to have a partner like Dozer.

“We worked well together for about three years,” Officer Vanvliet said. “So in that time we came into contact with a lot of things together, a lot of good narcotics investigations out of him, a lot of good leads and physical apparent results. him too. He was an all-round good mutt.”

But that all changed in August 2023, when Dozer was hit by a reckless car during a police chase.

“The worst part was being stuck in the car,” Vanvliet said. “I couldn’t get out and I knew the dog was gone because I couldn’t see it behind me.”

The incident would leave Dozer paralyzed in his right hind leg and under current state laws, those responsible were not punished for it.

That’s why Vanvliet and Project K9 Hero, a nonprofit that helped cover more than $40,000 dollars in medical costs after Dozers’ retirement, are working to make a change through the ‘Dozers Law’

GRPD

“Whether you intentionally or unintentionally injure a police animal, if you do so in the course of committing a crime, you will be charged with a misdemeanor.” said Jason Johnson, founder of Project K9.

The nonprofit aims to educate the public about the costs and responsibilities of adopting retired police K9s and military working dogs.

The group also helps cover compensated medical care, prescription food, rehabilitation, rehousing and end-of-service services for retired K9 heroes.

Johnson is hopeful that passing the “Dozers Law” will help K9s for years to come.

Jason “We want to make sure they earn the retirement they’ve earned,” Johnson said. “And how they will be treated for generations to come.”

Officer Vanvliet wants to ensure protections are in place for departments across the state.

“We want to make sure there’s something there to protect these dogs,” Vanvliet said. “At least protect them legally so that people can be held accountable for taking these dogs from the community they serve.”

The bills for the ‘Dozers Act’ must be passed until December 31 before it has to be reintroduced next year.

If you would like more information about Dozers legislation and how you can support the bills, please visit ProjectK9Hero.org.

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