sr-011012-3bCity of City Council Report
Santa Monica*
City Council Meeting: 01/10/12
Agenda Item: 3 - B
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Timothy J. Jackman, Chief of Police
Subject: Retirement and Disposition of Police Service Dog
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that City Council authorize police service dog Anton be retired from
service and sold to Santa Monica Police Department Sergeant Douglas Kohno for the
sum of one dollar.
Executive Summary
This report concerns the retirement of police service dog Anton, an 11 year -old police
service dog, and requests that the City Council approve the sale of canine Anton to his
handler for a nominal sum.
Background
During the past seven and one -half years, police service dog Anton has been handled
by Sergeant Douglas Kohno. During Anton's length of service, he has been involved in
numerous felony arrests and apprehensions and has received commendations for his
capabilities. Canine Anton has also received commendations from other law
enforcement agencies for the assistance he has provided to them.
Discussion
Police service dog Anton recently retired from the Canine Program after over seven
years of service. It would be inhumane to expect canine Anton to continue working as
an active service dog due to the problems he is experiencing, which are directly related
to the aging process. It has been department policy, since the inception of the Canine
1
Program, to transfer ownership of the canines that have reached the end of their active
service life, to their handlers for a nominal sum. A staff survey of other law enforcement
agencies that use canines affirms that they have the same policy. The policy is in the
best interest 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, which prevent their continued service.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
There will be no financial impact to this decision, since a replacement canine will not be
purchased. Sergeant Douglas Kohno's payment in the amount of $1.00 will be
deposited to account 01304.407473 (donations).
Prepared by: Marhaba Mohamed, Lieutenant
Approved:
4PoliTimCh
2
Forwarded to Council:
Rod Gould
City Manager