SR-07-23-2013-3BCity Council Meeting: July 23, 2013
Agenda Item: 3 -13
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Jacqueline Seabrooks, Chief of Police
Subject: Retirement and Disposition of Police Service Dog
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that City Council:
1. Authorize the retirement of police service dog Landor from Police service.
2. Authorize Landor be sold to Santa Monica Police Officer Adam Barry for the sum
of one dollar.
Executive Summary
This report concerns the retirement of police service dog Landor, an 10 year -old police
service dog, and requests that Council approve the sale of canine Landor to his handler
for a nominal sum.
Background
During the past five and one -half years, police service dog Landor has been handled by
Officer Adam Barry. During Landor's length of service, he has been involved in
numerous felony arrests, apprehensions and has received commendations for his
capabilities. Police service dog Landor is also a cross trained explosive detection canine
who has conducted many high risk explosive detection searches in the city of Santa
Monica along with several other regional cities. Landor has received commendations
from other law enforcement agencies for the assistance he has provided to them.
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Discussion
Police service dog Landor recently retired from the Canine Program after over five years
of service. Canine Landor, at 10 years of age, has developed several physical
limitations that are consistent with a dog of his age, forcing him to retire from active
service in the Canine Unit. It would be inhumane to expect canine Landor 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 Program, to transfer ownership of the canines that have reached the end
of their active service life, to their handlers for a nominal sum. Other law enforcement
agencies that use canines 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 which prevent their continued service.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of the
recommended action. Payment from the sale of canine Landor to his handler will be
deposited to account 01304.407473.
Prepared by: Marhaba Mohamed, Lieutenant
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=orwarded to Council:
Rod Gould
;ity Manager