SR-205-007 (8)
Council Meeting: August 13, 2002 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Retirement and Disposition of Police Service Dog
Introduction
This report concerns the retirement of Police Canine “Roy,” a twelve year-old
police service dog and requests that the City Council approve the sale of canine
Roy to his handler for a nominal sum.
Background
During the past eight and one-half years, police service dog “Roy” has been
handled by then Officer Mike VonAchen. During Roy’s length of service, he has
been involved in numerous felony arrests and has received several
commendations for his capabilities. Canine Roy has also received
commendations from other law enforcement agencies for the assistance he has
given them.
Discussion
Currently, police service dog Roy is scheduled to retire from the Canine Program.
Canine Roy, at twelve and one-half years, has experienced medical problems in
the past and is nearing the end of his active service life. It would be inhumane to
expect canine Roy to continue working as an active service dog due to the
problems he is experiencing, which are directly related to his age.
It has been Department policy, since the inception of the Canine Program, to
transfer ownership of canines that have reached the end of their active service
life to their handlers for nominal amounts. A staff survey of six other law
enforcement agencies that 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. Council has approved such transfers in the past
when service dogs have reached an age or developed medical conditions that
prevent their continued service.
Budget/Financial Impact
There will be no financial impact. Funds for a replacement police service dog
have already been encumbered in account #01305.566160 (Canine Program)
within the Police Department’s FY 2002-03 operating budget.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that police service dog Roy be sold to Officer VonAchen for
one dollar.
Prepared by: James T. Butts, Jr., Chief of Police