(a) The governing body of a state agency or political subdivision may enter into a contract with a person for the transfer of a law enforcement dog, horse, or other animal that has been determined by the applicable head of a law enforcement agency or that person’s designee to be:
(1) suitable for transfer, after consulting with the animal’s veterinarian, handlers, and other caretakers; and
(2) surplus to the needs of the state agency or political subdivision because the animal is:
(A) at the end of the animal’s working life; or
(B) subject to circumstances that justify making the animal available for transfer before the end of the animal’s working life, including:
(i) the death of the animal’s handler in the line of duty or as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty; or
(ii) the medical retirement of the animal’s handler as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty.
(b) The head of a state law enforcement agency may execute a contract under this subchapter on behalf of the state agency.