The owners of retired police horses will soon be able to receive up to $5,000 annually to help pay for the expenses of caring for their equines.
Senate Bill 38, as amended, was sponsored by Sen. Dave Lawson.
“From community events to critical law enforcement operations, Delaware’s law enforcement horses serve bravely alongside our officers,” he said. “This legislation helps ensure that when their service ends, they can enjoy retirement with the care and dignity they’ve earned through years of loyal service to the people of The First State.”
Under the bipartisan measure, which was ceremonially signed this week, the department in which the retired law-enforcement horse served will draft regulations for reimbursing owners for veterinary care and farrier services.
The new law is an expansion of a recently launched initiative to provide similar state assistance to those caring for retired law enforcement canines.
House Republicans co-sponsoring the measure included State Reps. Danny Short, Lyndon Yearick, and Bryan Shupe. The bill was approved without a dissenting vote in the legislature.
The bill goes into effect February 20, 2026.
