“This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.”
A Long Beach, California police K-9 was found dead inside his handler’s hot patrol car, leading to an investigation and a review of the department’s safety systems.
Ozzy, a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois/German shepherd mix, worked in the Long Beach Police Department’s drug investigations unit where he and another K-9 officer were credited with sniffing out more than $25 million in illegal drugs.
It was devastating for the community that he served when, on August 14, Ozzy was found dead inside his off-duty handler/officer’s patrol vehicle at around 3:40pm when outside temperatures were about 84-degrees.
It is has not been revealed how long Ozzy was left alone in the patrol car before his death, which veterinarians confirmed was heat related. But, Long Beach Police said the incident was accidental and that a heat alert system inside the vehicle may have malfunctioned.
Ozzy’s death was first announced by the department in a Facebook post:
Following Ozzy’d death, the Long Beach PD initiated an investigation into the incident, including looking at the equipment, circumstances, and its safety protocols. Police believe the heat/safety alert system inside the vehicle may have malfunctioned.
Since the incident, all K-9 handlers must now check that their heat systems are working properly before each shift as part of their daily protocol.
“Once this review is completed, the department will assess this tragic accident and ensure it does not happen again,” Long Beach Police Department public information officer Arantxa Chavarria told KTLA5.
“Our department is mourning Ozzy’s loss as we would with any of our employees. Our K-9s are an indispensable part of our department, and we will continue to view them as partners.”
Joanne McLaurin
says:It horrible that there are more and more K9s dying in hot cars. They must come up with safe alternatives for these animals!
Linda
says:It is against the law to leave a child in the car. An animal is an living being w hom loves human’s uncondiontly. Thusbthe law enforcement should never leave any living being in a car at all. It is a none fact accidents hapen.
Larry Mullikin
says:I am a K9 handler in Guam USA. Needless to say it is always 85°F or hotter daily. We have a policy of not leaving the k9 unattended for more than 10 minutes at a time when in a vehicle. Additionally I leave at least 1 window down about 1 inch just in case.
TheBlackmanThatScaresYou
says:HOPE THE COPS GET 45 YEARS LIKE THEY GAVE THAT BLACK GUY THAT KILLE DA COP DOG. PIECES OF SHIT THUGS!!!
How could this happen – was the officer not aware his dog was in the car; this is horrific and unacceptable. This officer should be punished and definitely not be allowed to handle dogs!!
CANTON, OHIO – The man who fatally shot K-9 Jethro will spend 45 years in prison after pleading guilty Wednesday, according to the Canton Repository.
So how long will this POS get for killing a k-9 officer? Because he’s a cop doesn’t matter he killed another officer. Murder is murder whether you have a badge or not. Cops are not above the law and an example needs to be set this is not the first time a cop has killed a k-9 officer and because they get away with it it will continue to happen. Taxpayers pay for them and training expensive these 2 legged idiots deserve prison time
Larry Mullikin
says:I am a K9 handler in Guam USA. Needless to say it is always 85°F or hotter daily. We have a policy of not leaving the k9 unattended for more than 10 minutes at a time when in a vehicle. Additionally I leave at least 1 window down about 1 inch just in case.
Pamela Schryver
says:Please tell me the handler was fired. Can’t take care of a dog, wouldn’t trust him with a human. UNFORGIVABLE. No accident, you should watch your patrners back. No slap on wrist either.