SR-6-L (11)
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PD:JRK:HA:cjo Santa Monica, California
Council Meeting: February 13, 1990
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Retirement and Disposition of Police service Dog
INTRODUCTION
This report concerns the retirement of Bill, an eight year old
pOlice service dog, and requests that the city council approve
the sale of canine Bill to his handler for a nominal sum.
BACKGROUND
During the past four and one half years, police service dog Bill
has been handled by Officer Mike Von Achen. During their tour of
duty, they have been involved in more than 300 felony arrests and
have received many written commendations for their team
capabilities.
Currently, pOlice service dog Bill is scheduled to retire from
the Canine Program and Officer Von Achen will return to regular
patrol duties. Canine Bill has experienced medical problems in
the past, particularly during the last year. He has reached the
end of his active work life.
It has been department policy since the inception of the canine
Program that when the canine has reached the end of his active
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service life, he be sold to his handler for a minimal sum. A
staff survey of six other law enforcement agencies who use
canines affirms that they have the same policy. The policy is in
the best interests of the animal and removes the possibility of
any potential liability to the City.
RECOMMENDATION
staff recommends that police service dog Bill be sold to Officer
Van Achen for the sum of one dollar.
,
Prepared by: James F. Keane, Chief of Police