Vegetarian, Vegan and Animal Rights

It's a power of the purse function. Until now, police dogs and horses have been considered property just like a patrol car. This has been a problem in other states too.

Per Propsition 10' ballot summary:

https://www.alamovotesblue.org/uploads/1/2/8/9/128992682/pros_and_cons_proposition_10.pdf

Background
• Law enforcement animals are considered ‘property’ of the state agency, county, municipality
etc.
• The Constitution requires all surplus governmental property to be auctioned, donated, or
destroyed.
• The proposed amendment would allow the animal to be transferred to its former caretaker at
no cost.

The U.S. constitution gives Congress that authority over federal property, and they changed the law for federal dogs in 2000.