A K-9 police dog has died in Hawaii in what is quickly becoming a troublesome trend. The poor pooch was left in a police car for an extended period of time.
This led to the death of K-9 Archer, which was a Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix. The Hawai'i Police Department confirmed the tragic incident, which happened on September 4. His handler left the K-9 unit in the police cruiser for an "unacceptable period of time."
The dog has worked with the department's Vice Section based in West Hawai'i since 2021. Archer's handler, Officer Sidra Brown of Area II (Kona) Vice Section, worked with the pooch.
"This was a preventable tragedy, dogs should not be left unattended in a vehicle for any period of time," said Interim Police Chief Reed Mahuna. "Archer was not just a police dog, he was a partner, protector and a member of our police family."
K-9 Dog Dies
The police department launched an investigation into the death of the K-9.
"The K-9 handler involved in this case is devastated as you would expect, nevertheless, a thorough criminal and administrative investigation will be conducted," Mahuna added. "We are committed to accountability and making sure something like this never happens again."
"Hundreds of dogs die each year being left unattended in vehicles and that number is surely much higher as many cases are never reported," Mahuna also warned.
Earlier this year, a K-9 unit in Georgia died after being left in the car. The police department launched a formal investigation into its death.
