Patty wrote on Jul 22, 2008 10:45 AM:Will this officer be charged with animal cruelty?

I think most civilians would be charged.

I know if a child is left in a car, the parent is charged with manslaughter.

mt wrote on Jul 22, 2008 10:55 AM:What a complete idiot.Fire him, and charge him.

james wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:22 AM:please don't give bacon boy another dog i don't think they want to die in a oven. how dumb can someone(and a police officer at that)be!

Floyd wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:24 AM:Wasn't there a recent example of a police dog who attacked a man on a bridge, the man jumped off the bridge, the dog died, and the man was accused of murdering a police officer? How is this any different, except for the fact that the dog didn't attack anybody and was killed anyway?

dogowner wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:26 AM:He should be prosecuted for the death of a peace officer, same as if someone else had shot the dog. And maybe fined for the cost of all the training that went into that poor dog, with the money going to shelters.

yup wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:28 AM:Could not agree more with the first comment. Put him in a sauna for a couple of days while you are at it.

tom wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:35 AM:i live in alpine and i don't leave cd's in the car during summer time let alone my dog!!!!!!!! and especially with the windows rolled up he must have no common sense what so ever and he's a cop too! scary

Bobby wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:37 AM:Fire him and get him for animal cruelty...

Es wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:50 AM:Any other person in Sand Diego is in jail! Another instance of perks for who you are and what you do! Hey PETA wake the hell up and get on this... He was a Police dog! Im sure it doesnt cost too much to train one of those, right? Poor dog...what a reward for all the service he gave us....Innocent animal, cant speak for himself.

JP wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:50 AM:BETTER CHARGE HIM WEITH ANIMAL ABUSE THERE IS NO EXCEPTION TO THIS, COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR THAT DOGS LIFE, FIRE HIM NOW, SHOULD BE NO QUESTION OF IF HE GOT DISCIPLINED OR NOT.

Oside Resident wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:51 AM:I would like to expect that he would be charged (at a minimum) with the same crime and penalty that a citizen would be charged with if we left our pet in the car (accidentally or not). State Law says it is a crime to leave an animal in the car... regardless of temperature, windows up/down, or duration. Also the loss of a member of the police force that took time and tax payer dollars to train is sad and should add weight to the crime. Let's hope this man's "special status" on commitees doesn't blind the justice system.

FS wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:56 AM:I agree!!! That is a crime for sure. What was he doing at his house while on duty anyway??? Or if he is off duty he should take hte dog out of the car!!!

LMT wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:03 PM:Most reasonably intelligent people KNOW you don’t close a dog(or any animal for that matter) up in a car on a hot day! Police Dogs are constantly placed in harms way to protect their human counterparts, it is the nature of their “jobs”.
They should not require protection from their human’s stupidity!
There is no excuse or reason to justify such outrageous negligence!
It is a good thing I am not the one with the job to determine his punishment – or is it?! Sadly, he probably won't even get a slap on the wrist considering his tenure in the department. Talk about injustice...

ab wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:09 PM:What kind of treatment is that of any animal, let alone a police dog. CHARGE HIM

San Diego resident wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:12 PM:How horrible. Technically K-9's are treated like officers within the department (they have their own badge number). This officer committed a crime (whether intentional or not) against another officer. I really hope the department handles this appropriately. This officer should never be allowed to work with K-9s again.

Tawni wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:19 PM:This is absolutely horrible. I say we put him in a car in that kind of heat and see how he likes it. It is SO sad when people take responsibility for an animal- and treat it so poorly. People like this don't deserve to be trusted. What he did was just plain Stupid, and incredibly cruel. This guy should AT LEAST get charged and be forbidden from having any animals ever again (if thats possible). I'll be surprised if he doesn't get fired.

To FS wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:23 PM:Where did it even suggest he was on duty. I am an officer and hate to say it not knowing all the details, alot of K9 officers leave the dog in the car with the AC on, but if he didn't he was definetly negligent and anyone else would be charged.

Hey it is ok wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:25 PM:The DA said it was justifible.

Karen wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:26 PM:This dog was considered a "Police Officer", a crime was commited against their own. Charge him as if you would anyone else.It should not matter that he was with the force 22yrs or 22hrs.

Sad wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:35 PM:How sad! Was his car running? Did he have th AC on and it failed?? My brother-in-law is part of the K-9 unit in another state. When he is off duty, his dog is right by his side or in a kennel he had special made. What was this guy thinking or did he forget where his dog was.

If wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:36 PM:If you are going to treat an animal as no better (or equal) to a human being, you know, like Stryker, then doesn't it stand to reason it should have been within this police dog's ability to let itself out? I mean, it is a member on EQUAL footing with a human being, right?

Oh, you mean it was defenseless? It ISN'T on the same level as a human being in terms of ability and cognitive reasoning skills? I thought police dogs are considered officers?

All kidding aside, it is obvious the police officer (human) needs to be charged with animal cruelty. This is unacceptable.

"It was unclear if he was disciplined."

Oh, it is clear, alright. It's just not disclosed to the sheep, er, I mean public.

Seeker wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:41 PM:He screwed up big time. However nothing will happen to him because police in San Diego have a blank check. The San Diego D.A. is just another politician who doesn't make waves.

Love dogs wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:42 PM:This is sickening! This was his PARTNER!! Why would he do something so foolish and cruel. I heard that these SPECIAL dogs cost around $20,0000 or more. Is they officer suffering from Alzheimers? How could he forget his partner. The first time I read the story I cried for this poor dog. The second time I have hate towards the man that did this to him. He needs to be charged to the fullest!

Negligence wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:45 PM:Charge this office with negligence and animal abuse. This is just disgusting and makes me sick to no end! What a complete selfish idiot! Lock him up and stick him in jail out in the desert with no A/C. Gawd, I can't even eat my lunch!

Dumb..dumb dumb. Stupidity is not an excuse wrote on Jul 22, 2008 1:08 PM:If a mother were to leave her child in a hot car she would be charged with criminal neglect. An example must be made to deter this from happening again. What a horrible way to die.

NASCAR wrote on Jul 22, 2008 1:43 PM:What a horrible way to die. This officer (the human) needs to be charged with animal cruelty and for the death of another officer (the dog).
If a child is left in a car and dies, and the parent is caught, the parent is charged with manslaughter/criminal neglect. This officer is no better than anyone else, who gives a rats behind if he has been with the force for 22yrs and is on some boards/task forces?! He should face the same charges that any other human being would face.
It makes me sick to know that he left his PARTNER, COMPANION, FRIEND to suffer and die slowly.
Charge him, toss him in lockup, and throw away the key!!!

Police should not be above the law wrote on Jul 22, 2008 1:46 PM:He should be prosecuted for the death of a peace officer

Sad wrote on Jul 22, 2008 1:47 PM:I am sorry, but he sholud be charge for killing a Police Office.

Fire him ASAP wrote on Jul 22, 2008 1:48 PM:Thsi officer needs to be prosecuted for the death of a peace officer

Poor dog wrote on Jul 22, 2008 1:52 PM:Charge him for killing a peace officer and have him pay the cost back to the good tax payer of San Diego for the cost of this wonder animal.
And o-ya Fire-him!

Lloyd wrote on Jul 22, 2008 2:41 PM:I think some of the story is missing here. I heard that the car's AC unit was on and then failed. It is very common, as in evey k-9 officer does it, to leave the dog in the car with the AC unit running. People's outrage on this board is a little early without all the fact. And dogs are not considered police officers. And to the person who said it is illegal to leave a dog in the car regardless of conditions is also wrong, sorry. I feel bad for the officer, I'm sure he is grieving losing his partner to a mechanical error (the car failing).

Many K- wrote on Jul 22, 2008 2:57 PM:Vehicles turn on automatically to run the A/C while the dog is in the car. There is a possibility this car had that system and it failed. If thats the cas4e...the Officer is in the clear, as he had no intent for harm to his dog, nor did he act negligently. If his car did not have the system, and he absent mindedly left his partner in the car...bad on him and he deserves his punishment.

Sarrah wrote on Jul 22, 2008 3:06 PM:All the training they go through to become K-9, he should have known better. All laws should be enforced rather civilian or not.

RG wrote on Jul 22, 2008 3:27 PM:"Unclear if he was disciplined"? "Now it will be up to the District Attorney to determine whether a crime was committed."
We know from past experience Dumanis (the cops can do no wrong DA) won't charge him with a crime. If this guy shows no concern for a helpless dog, what concern does he have for you or I, or anyone else he claims to serve and protect. What a jerk.

To Lloyd wrote on Jul 22, 2008 3:53 PM:Congratulations Lloyd, you are elected "code of silence" officer of the year. You're making excuses for this cop that he didn't even come up with himself. Bet you had some great excuses for Mansker and White too.

bashfulone wrote on Jul 22, 2008 4:14 PM:whether the ac was on an failed or not on at all why would someone leave thier animal in a car for a "undisclosed about of time" in that heat ........im sorry police dog or not police man or not he should be charged...

Sean wrote on Jul 22, 2008 4:51 PM:Same thing happened in Chandler, Az last year. Search online for Officer Lovejoy, Chandler PD for more info on the case.

Ridiculous comments wrote on Jul 22, 2008 5:08 PM:What is it with people hating cops out there... There is no information in this story to tell you if the officer commited a crime yet 95% of the people commenting are asking for him to be prosecuted... As one of the posters already stated police k-9's are always in their cars, the question is did the officer forget to put on the AC for the dog or did the AC fail or car fail... Because based on what he did he should either be prosecuted or consoled to the loss of his partner...

I am amazed at how people's hate for a particular group of people blind their common sense...

Albert wrote on Jul 22, 2008 5:34 PM:Thank Lloyd, you have the only voice of reason I've seen posted here.

Judy wrote on Jul 22, 2008 5:52 PM:Lloyd,
The missing story is that he got home after working a second shift and was exhausted. He went in and forgot his dog in the car and fell asleep.

He left the dog in the car, which I cannot figure out as my dog is usually the 1st one out the door when we get home.

He did not leave the car running, there was no malfunction. It was plain and simple negligence.

Judy wrote on Jul 22, 2008 6:02 PM:Lloyd--he just got back from a double shift and was exhausted and left the dog in the car. he did not have the air on, he was not on duty, he was parked right outside his house.

he was negligent, unfortunately, as he is a good police officer. it's terribly sad for that poor dog that died with such disgrace under those circumstances.

sad, very sad.

john wrote on Jul 22, 2008 6:27 PM:similar incident happened in Arizona like 2 years ago. officer left dog in car to go on a date with his wife or something and the k9 died. he went to jail for it because the dog is a police officer too. horrible way to die.

to Lloyd wrote on Jul 22, 2008 7:22 PM:The news report that I heard said the dog was left for HOURS and by the way idleing a truck for more than 5 minutes will soon be illegal because of smog laws isn't it kind of wasteful to run the patrol car engine for hours not to mention the danger of carbon monoxide poisioning. You can't explain away this one, it was plain carelessness and neglect but don't worry good old Bonnie won't charge him with anything anyway.

When Will It End wrote on Jul 22, 2008 7:44 PM:Another victim of an off duty cop. It wouldn't surprise me if DA Dumanis finally files charges against an off duty cop. Forget the citizen victims, it will finally be a dog's death for the DA's office to act.

Bob wrote on Jul 22, 2008 10:44 PM:Was the vehicle left on and a malfunction occured? These vehicles are climate controlled for this reason what happened lets here the facts first.

I smell wrote on Jul 23, 2008 1:00 AM:a cover up pretty soon

Lloyd must be a cop wrote on Jul 23, 2008 5:33 AM:No matter if this was a malfunction of the AC or not the dog died of heat stroke! A long and painful death I'm more than sure of, so if the AC did malfunction than how long did the Cop stay in the house? 1-2 hrs? Way too long in the first place! Must be accountable for his actions and so should you Lloyd for making up such a stupid story!

Lloyd is the Cop who did this wrote on Jul 23, 2008 5:40 AM:Hey there Mr. Cop! Nice way to post your new excuse! The COP is guilty no matter if the AC was on or not! Any resident that would leave a dog in the car and it were to die would be held accountable! Yes, he/she would be in jail! Cop or no cop this police officer and Lloyd too should do time. The police officer for murder and Lloyd for being a Lloyd! Grow up Lloyd and the dog is like a police officer because our tax paying money made sure that it had a badge number so it was another COP! Put the COP in jail!

Jim wrote on Jul 23, 2008 5:52 AM:It just does not make sense. If he were going home to have a beer and a snooze or an afternoon nap; why didn't he bring the dog in with him? It just does not make sense. Maybe he has a medical condition that is being covered up till retirement; at least that would make sense, not good sense, but sense.
The worst case scenario - he just did not care and if that is the case, fire and prosecute him...NOW!

obie wrote on Jul 23, 2008 6:21 AM:..."on the Board of the police union"...that will guarantee that the knuckle dragger won't be charged. The DA won't want to P...O.. the police union!

Lloyd wrote on Jul 23, 2008 6:42 AM:You people are pretty moronic in some of your posts. If you don't think there is more to the story and you blindly bite on what you are fed than have at it. Ignorance is bliss, and you must be happy. A dog is not a cop, prove me wrong and find the law that says they are..... waiting. ANd I would venture a guess that that cop spent more money on the dog then the "taxpayers" did, it is a fact of the job that you ignorantly assume differently.

Dear Lloyd wrote on Jul 23, 2008 7:22 AM:A police dog may not be a cop in the strict sense. But then, it's something more than just a dog, isn't it? Else, why have things like 21-gun salutes to fallen police dogs, and why charge people with assault on a police officer when they kill or hurt a K9? Your logic, frankly, biteth the big one. No amount of your rationalizing erases the fact that this "highly trained" (human) police officer was negligent, and resulted in the death of his police PARTNER. And for that, he should (but won't thanks to Dumanis) be held accountable.

To Lloyd wrote on Jul 23, 2008 7:28 AM:Are you the police union steward? Give it a break.

esteban wrote on Jul 23, 2008 7:28 AM:All of you cop haters should quiet down. This situation could happen to anyone. Let us see if any of you would be thinking properly after a working all night. It is unfortunate that this occured but things happen. Lets not forget that the dog is a tool and tools can be replaced people cant. Get over it.

To ESTEBAN wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:15 AM:Do YOU even know the cost to replace a police dog?? It is not like they could go to the pound and pick up a dog to replace the "tool" that you call this dog. You are a MORON Esteban!

why are you people so mad about wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:21 AM:Just a few months ago some knuckle head deliberate killed a cat, admitted to killing the cat and all he got was probation.

So you really think a judge is going to sent a 22 year police veteran to jail for a Misdemeanor (597 PC).

Animal lovers, please give me a break! Something is wrong with our society when some people think animals should have the same rights as us.

Animal cruelty laws were enacted in the USA before child abuse laws...only in America.

Anna wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:27 AM:This is so sad! This officer definitely needs to be charged as anyone would be in the same situation. The fact that this office is a 22-year veteran is shocking to me too! This is tragic and so sad that a dog who's life was dedicated to protecting us and to taking down criminals had to go this way. Service dogs are amazing animals and I am crushed by this story. I can only hope that this officer pays for what he has done and others learns from his stupidity.

BarbsKid wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:44 AM:I missed this article earlier. My first thought on reading it was how awful for the dog and how careless of the handler. If the car had a specialized feature on the AC to provide for the dog, that's a little different situation. But, I have one problem with it. He was off duty and at home? What circumstances would be reasonable to leave the dog in the car for the length of time it would take for heatstroke to set in? Why wasn't the dog checked?

And Lloyd.....no, the officer probably did not come close to putting out the amount of money that the tax-payers put out. Kibble and toys and such don't come close to the cost of the dog and the training, and such. And it's reasonable to assume that the police force pays the vet bills for its canine units, not the officers.

The officers also have to go through additional trainings, yes? And likely receive a higher pay, yes? And this person is an experienced veteran of the force, not a young kid just getting used to long hours and horrendous stress levels. I can empathize, but I cannot give the man a pass on failing to check on his partner.

The emotional cost....now that one is higher. And if the dog interacted with the handler's family, think about what he will (rightly) face from them.

So, I don't have all the facts...Lloyd you are correct. However, I am an intelligent rational woman, I can deduce that this animal died because someone didn't go out and check on it earlier in the day. That is negligence. Whether the AC failed or the officer failed to put it on isn't the point. It was negligent to leave an animal in the car at his home for the length of time it took the dog to die. He wasn't on duty. He was at home. Would it have been so difficult to put the dog in the yard/kennel instead of staying in the car with AC running?

Seeker wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:58 AM:Lloyd please learn to use your brain if you have one. If you can't do that then please stop making your moronic posts.

UNBELIEVABLE wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:06 AM:What scares me the most about this situation is the excuse given that he had just worked a double shift. I certainly hope he didn't have to make any life or death decisions in that last few hours of his shift, as he was obviously too fatigued to make rational decisions.

K wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:24 AM:I heard that he was SOOO exhausted after his shift that he came home and went inside and fell asleep....but your so tired that you left your partner in the car??? I know I treat my dog like she's my child. Partner or not.... there's no excuse to let that dog suffer the way that he did. Its just unfortunate that he will probably get off like every other cop in this town!!!!

Deneen wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:29 AM:There is absolutely no excuse for this cop! I don't even care if the AC was on or not! No living being should be left inside of a car on a 108 degree day whether the windows are up or down! I want to see this cop get fired, punished, something! Is he not smart enough to know this? Having loved and lost my Belgian, Donovan, 10 months ago, I can say that they are very loyal, trusting, loving and sensitive dogs. What this dog suffered at the hands of a man he trusted, his partner, is unforgivable. It is scary to know that this type of man is protecting our streets. I am not a cop hater, just an idiot hater and a animal lover. Animals are not tools..they are living beings that we share this earth with. They deserve the same concern and respect that humans are entitled to!

jj wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:35 AM:call the sdpd canine unit 619-266-9960;
please call and voice the concern!

PK wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:38 AM:Please call SDPD-non-emergency- and complain, this is outrageous!

sam wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:43 AM:lloyd and estaban please leave this place your not welcome here,go to the east coast

ll wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:45 AM:( Call 858) 573-1199 x 207.
This is the director of SDPD POA.
Offficer Bubka-the offender is on the board, too.

esteban wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:47 AM:Yes I know how much it costs to train a dog. But it in no way compares to the years of experience a fine police officer has (20 plus). And it will never compare to the dedication of a police officer(human). Dogs from the beginning were domesticated to serve man. They do not in any way come close to eing human and have feelings. I stand by what I said they are tools to be used as needed.

Randy wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:55 AM:When a dog dies in the line of duty, he is a hero. When a dog dies from human neglect, the animal just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Heartless wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:18 AM:This is horrible. Just horrible.

But many of these comments are just heartless to me.

Can't you imagine how badly this officer must feel about what happened?!?

No, it doesn't make it right, doesn't change it, none of that, but some of these comments read as entirely unfeeling. The officer must be in absolute agony over what happened.

Heartless wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:21 AM:This is horrible. Just horrible.

But many of these comments seem just heartless to me.

Can't you imagine how badly this officer must feel about what happened?!?

No, it doesn't make it right, doesn't change it, none of that, but some of these comments read as entirely unfeeling. The officer must be in absolute agony over what happened.

To Heartless wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:56 AM:He SHOULD feel horrible. He did a heartless, cruel thing. If feeling horrible were enough of a consequence, we wouldn't need jails. We don't even know if he feels horrible. He might be another Randy Cunningham. Let's see Hubka step up and donate a huge amount to Animal Companions or any other dog training charity.

jk wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:12 PM:Bottom line here... that dog died a horrific death.
NO one, animal or human should die like that, can any of you imagine what that poor dog was thinking... pleading for his handler to come back and save him.
I do not think the officer cared about this dog other wise what person with any intellengence much less a police officer would leave a animal in a hot car...Unforgiveable.
God Speed Forest 5, I will remember you and know that you are now in a place that has no pain or suffering. You did well, it was a human that failed you.....One that you had been trained to trust with your life.
I pray that this officer is repremanded to the fullest extent of the law..

ra wrote on Jul 23, 2008 2:22 PM:This is animal abuse, regardless of the circumstances. If he is not punished, we as a society are saying it's ok to do this.
I judge people by how they treat animals.
This is inexcusable!

RG wrote on Jul 23, 2008 3:30 PM:What's really amazing about these blogs is that Lloyd and esteban want to make excuses ... ONLY because he's a cop. Unfortunately, Bonnie (cops are never wrong) Dumanis will also let him off ONLY because he's a cop. Very sad. I'm not a cop-hater, I'm a stupid hater, and hate the cops who do stupid stuff.

Lloyd wrote on Jul 23, 2008 3:46 PM:And the ignorance continues. The section for harming a police dog, section 600 of the penal code, is different than that of attacking a police officer, 69PC, 148PC, 243PC, etc. So no, the dogs are not peace officers and are not considered so by the law as someone assumed. Section 600PC is a specific intent crime and deals with attack a police dog or horse, which is not present here. The animal cruelty sections, starting with section 537 of the penal code and continued from there also are specific intent crimes. Meaning there was malice intended in the act, again not present. People are easy to criticize and speculate with out really seeking the truth of what happened, but then again I guess that would take more time to do so it is easier to write a quirky one liner attacking someone else.

The cost of the dog is in question. Most police agencies have private persons that donate money to their k-9 programs to purchase and train the dogs. So again people assume one thing with out really knowing the facts.

police officer wrote on Jul 23, 2008 3:55 PM:Like everyone in this blog, I don't know the details of this incident. But my opinion is the officer did not deliberately killed his dog. I do believe it was an accident!

However, accident or not I think he should be punish accordingly. In my career I've responded to numerous calls of dogs that either were injured or died under the same circuntances. I have yet seemed any of the responsible parties go to jail.

To police officer wrote on Jul 23, 2008 4:19 PM:I haven't read one single comment where anyone said they thought this guy killed his dog deliberately. Of course it was an accident. You should know better than anyone it's people who do stupid things that cause accidents! It's people like Lloyd and esteban who want so badly to let their buddy off the hook that cause the general public to hold cops in low esteem these days.

Hey Lloyd wrote on Jul 23, 2008 5:03 PM:Someone needs to do their homework. To quote the city of Le Mesa's web site: "Per the California Penal Code 597.7 it is illegal to leave an animal in a car if by doing so you endanger the health or well-being of the animal. Do not leave an animal in your car during hot or warm weather. Other factors to consider are if the car is in the sun and if the windows are rolled up not allowing ventilation." This is not only state law, but common sense.

if it walks like a duck... wrote on Jul 23, 2008 5:06 PM:This is very simple. An animal, in care of any individual, should not be left in any vehicle, for any amount of time, with the windows rolled up in the middle of summer. Even my 5 year old is smart enough to know that.

Vista Granny wrote on Jul 23, 2008 5:44 PM:I have a dog. I would never go in the house to take a nap and leave her in the back seat of my car, a/c or not even if the car were in the carport! I don't believe this story. Was the officer tired or under the influence? I know that a man was convicted of a crime for jumping off a bridge with a police dog's teeth firmly fixed in his arm or leg, yet no charges were filed for this? Remember the funeral held for that dog that went off the Coronado bridge? Policemen seem to get away with breaking laws quite regularly here in good old san diego County. Wonder why?

to police officer wrote on Jul 23, 2008 6:01 PM:Do you actually talk like you type?

Not a dog lover wrote on Jul 23, 2008 6:48 PM:I eat usually 2-3 varieties of animal everyday. Yet, when a dog dies it makes the newspaper and human beings will probably go to its memorial service.

Lassie wrote on Jul 23, 2008 7:21 PM:I eat usually 2-3 varieties of animal everyday. Yet, when a dog dies it makes the newspaper and human beings will probably go to its memorial service.

wsh wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:13 PM:Do something-
Please call or e-mail (non-emergency) SDPD, the canine unit, Chief's office-ask them about this. This isn't the first SDPD dog to die in this same manner.

potential juror wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:50 PM:I just had jury duty last week, and before we were dismissed we were given a 10 minute lecture about leaving pets in cars. The lady lecturing us said that it was a new CA law that if your pet dies in a car from the heat, that you will be charged with a felony! ...it is time that those enforcing the laws are also held accountable by them.

rest in peace wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:14 PM:RIP Forrest, I'm sure you will be missed! I hope your partner gets charged for leaving you in the car. No one, animals or kids, should be left in a car like that. I ALWAYS check my car to make sure everyone is out.

To Vista Granny wrote on Jul 24, 2008 7:28 AM:Because cops are there to enforce the law, not live by it! lol

Lloyd wrote on Jul 24, 2008 7:56 AM:Read the full section 537.7 not some website reference, it is a specific intent crime. If the AC was on in the car, as it often is in k-9 units, then he was taking care of the dog. For jury instructions a potiental jury would be told that they would have to examine the facts and believe that he did not take ordinary care. K-9 cops do this all the time when they go on calls and are at home. The dogs part time home is the back seat of that patrol car. It was a mechanical failure and I'm sure he feels horrible about losing his partner, friend, and companion. You people need to get over yourselves.

to Lloyd wrote on Jul 24, 2008 8:41 AM:I didn't have to read the full penal code, I know it by heart. I also know this dog was left in the car for 7 hours, which does indeed fall under the definition of willful. If that is considered normal procedure for a K-9 officer, than there is a very serious lapse of judgment going on in that department.

Absurd wrote on Jul 24, 2008 8:42 AM:I can understand the dog being left in the car during on duty situations that don't required the dogs involvment.

I can't understand the dog being left in the car while the officer is at home.

I also can't understand how anyone (Lloyd) could think that leaving a dog in the car at home in that heat (even with AC) fits within the definition of proper care.

Look ... I don't think the guy meant for the dog to die. Unfortunately, meaning it or not, the dog died as a direct result of the officers actions and he needs to be held accountable in the same fashion any other ordinary citizen would be.

frank wrote on Jul 24, 2008 8:52 AM:I hope that when I need help and call the police, this man does not come to my rescue. He should be charged and fired for his actions on this case.

JAMES wrote on Jul 24, 2008 10:39 AM:if a citizen were to kill a police dog, they would most likely be charged with killing a police officer. what kind of charges will this officer be facing, i hope it's the same charges i, or any other citizen would be charged with. the officer will more than likely be rewarded with a new dog.

to to Police Officer wrote on Jul 24, 2008 11:56 AM:"Do you actually talk like you type?"

He is writting on a NCT blog not writting a crime report! Give the guy a break at least he is not blindly taking the officer's side like Esteban usually does.

to to to Police Officer wrote on Jul 24, 2008 12:10 PM:Give him a break for either not knowing how to type or not knowing how to spell or just flatly not knowing how to talk??

I suppose you feel this cop we are talking about should be given a break too...after all, it was just a dog!

Another enabler!!

Carol wrote on Jul 24, 2008 1:18 PM:I am sick at the thought of what the animal went through. This is inexcusable. It reminds me that we are putting our trust in officers who have no common sense - I read about it all too often any more. He should be charged with animal cruelty. The Humane Society should investigate this incident and take action.

Mayday wrote on Jul 24, 2008 5:21 PM:This officer, regardless of how tired, should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. His negligence not only caused the horrible death of a police officer but also HIS PARTNER. He should serve time in jail as well as reimburse the taxpayers any monies paid for the purchase and training of this dog. This is cruelty at it's worst. There are special heat sensors available that can be installed in these K9 units that pop a door open when the temperature reaches a certain degree. All of these vehicles should be equipped with these in case something happens to the officer and he/she is unable to return to the unit in a timely manner. Shame on him.

esteban wrote on Jul 24, 2008 10:26 PM:Give me a break here. It people rights over animal rights. How many dogs are in shelters and streets being unproductive. i see this as a job opening an opportunity for a dog to make itself usefull and join law enforcement!

outraged wrote on Jul 25, 2008 6:45 AM:a drunk driver killed two people and only 7 comments are posted, a freakin dog died and almost 100 comments are posted!

What's wrong with our society!

esteban wrote on Jul 25, 2008 9:33 AM:Its because liberals are taking over our country. They value animal life over human life. A dog died get over it. Show more concern that cops are shot at everyday.

To everyone against Esteban wrote on Jul 25, 2008 9:59 AM:I think Esteban needs a group hug.

esteban wrote on Jul 25, 2008 11:00 AM:Everyone needs to get their heads out of the clouds and get back to reality.Law enforcement needs our support. There shouldnt be a witch hunt against a cop because his dog dies. Cops lose partners and get new ones. The world and life goes on.

to Mayday wrote on Jul 25, 2008 11:18 AM:Yeah that is a good idea and then when a police k-9 dog is out running loose because the door popped open and attacks a child I bet you will be the first one to respond to that story too. Good idea dude!!!

Whats wrong wrote on Jul 25, 2008 2:07 PM:With saying esteban should be locked in a car on a hot day?

Tim wrote on Jul 25, 2008 4:04 PM:Police officers should be held to an even higher standard. 20+ years of dining at the public teat. nice. So he can get his cushy pension that and leave the area. let me guess. he will probably develop a mysterious OTJ "disability" like most cops and fireman just before retirement and get even more. Meanwhile, back in the real world at a real job that produces for the economy instead of a .gov job that only takes, anybody else would be fired before the day is over if they caused a 20k+ loss to their employer. Wonder what would happen to the privte sector dog groomer who killed a dog through this gross negligence? think they have a job tomorrow ? meanwhile the police state covers up... move along.. nothing to see here.

GoodBad wrote on Jul 25, 2008 6:01 PM:To esteban at 11:00 AM. Do you realize YOU do more to turn people OFF on law enforcement support with YOUR comments than those who see the DIFFERENCE between good performing cops and bad performing cops? There are good and bad in ALL occupations. Your failure to see the good vrs bad in law enforcement, and your arrogance and name calling on blogs dealing with questionable police behavior is astounding.

Lloyd wrote on Jul 25, 2008 10:51 PM:Tim it sounds like you have a huge chip against law enforcement before this article. If it is so great why don't you sign up then? They are trying to hire quality people.

To Lloyd wrote on Jul 26, 2008 1:01 PM:Nothing against law enforcement ... just against stupidity and the enablers that allow it to flourish.

to Whats wrong wrote on Jul 26, 2008 11:03 PM:Excellent idea! Can we sell tickets and donate the proceeds to the humane society?

Tim wrote on Jul 29, 2008 9:18 AM:no chip on my shoulder. I support the police, not the police state which we have become. They used to be called peace officers. now they are all egomaniacs, with their skinhead haircut, they guys that were either 1)the bullies in high school and now they can be bullies with a gun or 2) the guys the bullies picked on. dont beleive me ask any psychiatrist who is not teh onw paid by the city to do a psych eval on a prospect cop. look at the illicit behavior of cops as a percentage of their population, its quite high, butt eh blue line coves it up.

I would be a cop, but i have decided making 3-5 times that is more lucrative. I also respect peoples civil liberties. I wanted to be a history maker, not a history taker, which is 99% of cops do, show up after and incident and take notes. Unless you consider government revenue collection at the point of a gun a viable career alternative.

What i do have a chip on my shoulder about is the taxpayer paid timebomb that many municipalities will be facing shortly to pay all these guys their fat pensions for life that the unions ( not just police, but all .gov workers) have shoved down the complicit throats of city councils.

Tim wrote on Jul 29, 2008 9:34 AM:no chip on my shoulder. I support the police, not the police state which we have become. They used to be called peace officers. now they are all egomaniacs, with their skinhead haircut, they guys that were either 1)the bullies in high school and now they can be bullies with a gun or 2) the guys the bullies picked on. dont beleive me ask any psychiatrist who is not teh onw paid by the city to do a psych eval on a prospect cop. look at the illicit behavior of cops as a percentage of their population, its quite high, but the blue line covers it up.

I would be a cop, but i have decided making 3-5 times that is more lucrative. I also respect peoples civil liberties. I wanted to be a history maker, not a history taker, which is 99% of cops do, show up after and incident and take notes. Unless you consider government revenue collection at the point of a gun a viable career alternative.

What i do have a chip on my shoulder about is the taxpayer paid timebomb that many municipalities will be facing shortly to pay all these guys their fat pensions for life that the unions ( not just police, but all .gov workers) have shoved down the complicit throats of city councils.

To Paul Hubka and family wrote on Aug 11, 2008 3:54 PM:My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your dog Forrest!!! Just remember that God is bigger than all of this. He can turn the most negative of things in our lives into something possitive. "There's a light at the end of this tunnel".

Concerned - what if wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:50 PM:What sad sad story. How do you forget your partner in the car & leave him to a die a horrible death? What if it had this been a person unable to speak or help themself?