WISCONSIN COUNTY POLICE ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 764 • DELAVAN, WI 53115
262-728-2233
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Police Service Dogs:
Under current law, in Wisconsin, a dog that bites a human must be quarantined for ten days in order to watch for the rabies virus. There is no exception for a police service dog. Fortunately for Canine handlers across the state Representative Samantha Kerkman (R-Kenosha) introduced legislation to change that law. Recognizing that police service dogs are valuable tools in the apprehension of
subjects, locating the lost, and in detecting illegal drugs, she introduced AB 52. This bill would exempt police service dogs from the current law. Police service dogs that bite a suspect must meet all the requirements of the current dog bit statute, but may continue to work unless they show signs of the rabies virus.

In order to help move this piece of legislation through the legislative process, Rep Kerkman asked Deputies Bob Wierenga and Jason Hintz, members of the Wisconsin County Police Association, and of the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit, to testify on behalf of the bill. On March 13th both deputies appeared before the Assembly Committee on public health and gave testimony in favor of the proposed legislation. The Public Health committee passed it unanimously. It was then passed by the Assembly and moved to the senate. On May 15th the Senate Committee on Public Health held a hearing on AB 52. Representative Kerkman asked Deputy Wierenga to bring his K9 partner Argos to the hearing as part of his testimony. Wierenga, Argo, and Hintz appeared and again gave favorable testimony for AB 52. The Senate committee passed the bill unanimously and it will go before the senate. It is expected to be passed and sent to the Governor for his signing it into legislation.

Wisconsin Legislature
March 11, 2008
Governor Doyle signs Kreitlow/Moulton "Move Over, Slow Down" Bill
Click here for PDF download (1.5 MB)

Wisconsin County Police Association
March 18, 2008 Press Release
WCPA endorses law enforcement's choice - Judge Lisa Neubauer
Click here for PDF download (1.9 MB)

Senator Julie Lassa receives congratulations from Govenor Doyle after signing AB498 into Law.

AB 498 authorizes civilian jailers to carry and use electric firearms (Tasers) while on duty. The WCPA supported this legislation and were invited to the bill signing. Bob Wierenga, Executive Director (behind Senator Lassa) and Ramie Leonard, Lobbyist for the WCPA attened the signing.

President of the WCPA, Chris Gulbrand and WCPA executive director look on along with Senator Pat Kreitlow and Represenative Terry Moulton as Govenor Doyle signs SB 502 into law.