Sgt. Brett Harrison left his partner, a 2-year-old police dog, in his cruiser with the windows up for over 3 hours, where the dog died of heat stroke. His "punishment" is a two week unpaid suspension and the loss of 40 hours of vacation time.
Why is this important?
Police dogs are police officers. If a criminal attacks a K9, he (or she) is charged with attacking a police officer. This officer should be held responsible for actions leading to the death of a fellow officer. He should be immediately dismissed from duty, shield taken away and pension lost. Benny was only 2 and had many more years left. Police need to understand these dogs are not just one of their accessories, like a gun or radio; they deserve respect. Let's give a voice to those that protect and serve, and that have no voice.
