A sad story from Missouri, where according to Savannah police, a police dog died last Thursday after being left in a patrol car after an overnight shift. The German Shepherd, named Horus, had served the community for more than three years, Fox4KC reports. Temperatures in the area ranged from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the American Veterinary Medical Association warns that even on a 70-degree day, the temperature inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees within 30 minutes. Horus’ death is currently being considered an accident, although the police chief says the case is still under investigation, KCTV reports.
Many angry citizens posted comments on the police department’s Facebook page demanding that the dog’s handler be charged with a crime or otherwise held accountable. “As this is an open investigation, no further information will be released until the investigation is complete,” the police chief said in a statement. “The entire department would appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we deal with the loss of our partner, Horus.”
The Andrew County District Attorney’s Office says it is also investigating, with assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. A bill was recently introduced to the Missouri governor that would increase penalties for harming or killing animals in law enforcement. (More stories from Missouri.)
