Edinburgh K-9 Batu is ready to work in a bullet and stab-proof vest donated by Vested Interest in K9s. Submitted photo
By The Franklin Daily Journal
EDINBURGH — An Edinburgh Police K-9 is protected with a newly donated vest.
K-9 Batu has received a bullet and stab protective vest from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. His vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and embroidered with the sentiment “In honor of K9 Ron,” according to Edinburgh police.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S.-made, custom-fitted and National Institute of Justice-certified. The organization has provided over 6,348 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. K-9s at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K-9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. To donate or learn more about the organization, visit vik9s.org. Donors can also mail their contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
