K-9 Officer Accidentally Put to Sleep


Felony the K-9 Officer

HOWARD LAKE, Minn. - The Howard Lake Police
Department is mourning the loss of one of the department’s
service dog, who was accidentally put to sleep at the Humane Society. After
missing for two weeks, the department learned just two days ago what
happened to Felony. For more than six years, Felony patrolled the
streets of Howard Lake, serving as a narcotic and tracking canine for
the police department. Officer Darek Szczepanik was one of two handlers who worked with Felony. "I was devastated,” said Szczepanik. “I couldn't believe it happened." In
his short time on the force, Felony helped seize $25,000 worth of
narcotics and cash. Police Chief Tracy Vetruba says Felony, who tried
escaping before, got out of his reinforced kennel on October 30. That
day, an Animal Control Officer picked up Felony, but unfortunately
didn't recognize the dog. He brought him to the Humane Society, where
they waited the standard five days. He then failed an adoptability test
and was put to sleep. The Humane Society says this is tragic and
we are very sorry for the loss of this valued canine member of the
Howard Lake Police Department. Because the dog did not have any collar
or microchip information they were unable to identify his owner. In
hindsight Chief Vetruba says a microchip would have been beneficial and
now advocates for them not only for police service dogs but all pets.

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/K-9-Officer-Accidentally-Put-to-Sleep-nov-18-2009