Demand K9 Officer Be Prosecuted for Animal Abuse

    The following is a letter to the Missouri State Attorney General requesting action be taken against the officer who left canine police officer Horus to die in a hot vehicle.

    Attorney General Andrew Bailey
    Office of the Attorney General
    Supreme Court Building
    207 W. High St.
    P.O. Box 899
    Jefferson City, MO 65102

    Dear Attorney General Bailey,

    We are writing to express our deep concern and to petition for justice regarding the recent tragic incident involving a Savannah, Missouri police officer who left their canine partner, Horus, in a hot police K9 vehicle, leading to the animal’s death. This heartbreaking event demands accountability and the application of Missouri’s animal cruelty laws to all individuals equally, regardless of their position.

    Missouri law, under section 578.012, clearly outlines what constitutes animal abuse. The statute defines animal abuse as follows:

    1. A person is guilty of animal abuse when a person:
    (1) Intentionally or purposely kills an animal in any manner not allowed by or expressly exempted from the provisions of 578.005 to 578.023 and 273.030;
    (2) Purposely or intentionally causes injury or suffering to an animal; or
    (3) Having ownership or custody of an animal knowingly fails to provide adequate care which results in substantial harm to the animal.

    Given these definitions, the police officer in question appears to have violated section 578.012(3). The officer, who had both ownership and custody of the K9, failed to provide adequate care, resulting in the substantial harm and ultimate death of the dog. This constitutes a verifiable case of animal abuse.

    The police department’s statement that this was an accident does not absolve the officer of responsibility. Any other individual who left an animal in similar conditions would face prosecution under the same statute. The role of the officer as a law enforcement agent does not place them above the law, particularly when the law is explicitly outlines the protection of animals from neglect and harm.

    Moreover, this canine was not just any animal; it was the officer’s partner, trained to serve and protect alongside human officers. The relationship only heightens the expectation of care and diligence that the officer should have exercised. The tragic outcome highlights a gross negligence that cannot be overlooked or excused as a mere accident.

    Therefore, we urge your office to take immediate action and prosecute the officer involved under Missouri’s animal abuse laws. By doing so, you will reinforce the principle that all individuals, regardless of their profession, are equally accountable under the law. Prosecution will also serve as a necessary reminder of the responsibilities inherent in the care and custody of service animals.

    Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We trust that you will ensure justice is served for the unnecessary and preventable death of this loyal K9 officer.

    Sincerely,

    Concerned citizens
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