A Jackson police officer has been disciplined after putting a retired K-9 officer up for adoption.
A statement from the Jackson Police Department stated that they recently discovered that Ringo, a retired K-9, was adopted from a local shelter. Until they were notified, the JPD thought that Ringo was living with his former handler. After the JPD was informed of the situation, the unnamed officer was demoted to patrol duty within the department.
The JPD’s statement went on to say that their K-9s deserve to be treated like family.
“The Jackson Police Department respects and holds our canines with high regard just as we do any other officer within our department. They are family, and we do not feel they deserve anything less than a loving home in retirement.”
To prevent this from happening in the future, the Chief of Police has immediately implemented a new protocol which requires quarterly welfare checks for all canines, both active duty and retired.
Additionally, the JPD stated that policy is currently being drafted which will address specific requirements related to retired canines and their welfare, so that they are provided with the best care possible.
Ringo worked as a drug dog on the JPD force for nearly 10 years prior to his retirement.
