HSUS Statement on Spate of Police Dog Deaths

September 7, 2007

The Humane Society of the United States is saddened by the unnecessary suffering and death of animals wherever it occurs, and believes that no animal deserves such a sad fate. Unfortunately, this summer has been marred by the painful deaths of several animals who, perhaps even more than most, deserved so much better:  At least four active duty police dogs have died due to alleged negligent care in the last three months.  Three died from heat related symptoms after being left in sweltering police cars, one was allegedly kicked to death by his own trainer for barking during a training drill.

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9/3/07 – An unnamed Acworth, Ga. police lieutenant was reportedly distracted by having to move electronic equipment from one patrol car to another when he allegedly left his dog Marco in a hot patrol car to die.  No charges have been filed pending an internal investigation.

8/11/07 – Chandler, Ariz. Police Sgt. Thomas Lovejoy allegedly left his dog, Bandit, in a patrol car for more than 12 hours when temperatures outside were as high as 109 degrees.  Bandit ultimately died. Animal cruelty charges were filed yesterday.

6/26/07 – Blackstone, Va. Police Officer Tony Mayton worked a 12 hour shift, then allegedly forgot his dog, Oakley, in patrol car until the next morning.  Oakley died of heatstroke.  No charges have been filed pending an internal investigation.

6/7/07 - Miami-Dade Police Sgt. Allen Cockfield allegedly kicked his K-9 companion to death for barking during a training drill.  He faces animal cruelty charges on Sept. 24.

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"Even the bravest, smartest, and toughest dogs are dependent on their human guardians for protection," said Dale Bartlett, The HSUS' deputy manager for animal cruelty issues.  "We hope these tragic incidents will lead to an aggressive campaign by state and national police dog training associations, and by every canine police division in the country, to underscore the care-giver responsibilities that are incumbent on K-9 handlers and the importance of safety protocols." 

The HSUS supports the filing of animal cruelty charges against anyone who leaves a dog unattended in a hot car, including police officers, and warns that pets are susceptible to heat stroke, brain damage and death after just a few minutes in a hot car.  On a warm day, the temperature in a parked car can reach dangerous levels, as high as 120 degrees, in a matter of minutes, even with the car window partially open. Because dogs' only methods for cooling off are panting and sweating through their paws, they can succumb to high temperatures in very short periods of time.

Every year, dogs suffer agonizing deaths after being left in hot cars. The most tragic aspect of these deaths is that they are completely preventable. The HSUS asks pet owners to never leave pets alone in vehicles, especially during the summer months. 

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at  www.humanesociety.org.