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Officer Chad Berry of the Woodstock, Georgia Police Department is on paid administrative leave while detectives conduct an internal investigation into the death of his K9 police dog, Spartacus.
Spartacus, a 3-year old Belgian Malinois, was found dead around 9:00pm Monday night in the back of his handler’s car. A necropsy revealed that heat stroke was the cause of his death.
Officer Berry has been with the Woodstock Police Department for 9 years, having spent 7 of those years as a K9 handler. His first K9 partner, Atticus, is living with Berry as a family pet since retiring from the force.
A Pickens County Sheriff Dept. spokesman said investigators are trying to determine how long the dog was left in the car and whether Officer Berry will face criminal charges.
Spartacus’ death is truly tragic for the residents of Woodstock. The talented canine was cross-trained in drug detection, tracking and apprehension and had a long career ahead of him.
A memorial service is being planned for the fallen hero.
Sadly, the tragic and painful death that Spartacus faced is not as uncommon an even to police K-9’s as you’d think.
Just last month, a Perry County, Mississippi officer forgot about his K9 partner—also a Belgian Malinois, named Napo, leaving him in a police car overnight to die.
And, a 10-year-old Dutch Shepherd partnered with Lt. TJ Frye of Warwich, Georgia was left in his patrol car for a full three days while his handler left for a trip. When Frye returned, he found the dead dog in the car along with signs it had desperately tried to find a way out.
Taylor
Oct 15, 2014 at 4:03 pm
This kind of thing disgusts me. How is this not even qualifying as animal abuse? He’s getting paid leave? Wow.
Patrol K9 BP
Nov 13, 2013 at 5:00 pm
Every one of these situations reverts back to proper training and policies. I’m sure that they didn’t do it on purpose. I can bet that everyone has forgot something at least once. It just so happens that there mistake cost life of their K9 partner. I will tell you that it will probably never happen again. If you as a police officer did not draw your weapon and shoot a suspect because you didn’t see the gun because you were too busy looking somewhere else, and he shot your partner, should you be fired or sent to jail? Yes, you did make a mistake and it got your partner killed. It all comes back to “PROPER” training. Taking care of your K9 partner is a training issue.
J Kokoszyna
Apr 4, 2014 at 10:54 am
I am disgusted that youths officer would treat an animal with such little regard. This animal would have given its life for him and this is how you treat it? To forget Spartacus in your car! Please! Your guiding principle is to protect and serve! IF this is representative of our Police officers today i have absolutely no faith in law enforcement. These are people we laud as heroes and yet they treat there partner with such disregard. i hope you relive this moment for the rest of your life because nothing compares to the horrific death you put that dog through. Your lack of responsibility cost this animal its life. How self consumed and reckless you must be to allow this to happen. You should have lost your job!
Nazonee
May 10, 2014 at 12:08 pm
“I can bet that everyone has forgot something at least once.”
UM. this is a something. It is a someone. Not only in my personal view but in that of police departments nationwide. The dog falls into the very same category as any other officer and should be treated with the very same respect. I do not for the life of me understand how one can “forget” their partner. The flippant attitude in regard to an officer killing another officer is not afforded to John Q Citizen,, so why should the officer get a pass for willfully killing his own PARTNER?
RealityBites
Nov 11, 2013 at 11:11 am
What else could be expected from dumb thugs?
johnnie
Oct 18, 2013 at 8:16 am
The drug sniffing dog snorted too much extascy and it sent his body temp into the red.
johnnie
Oct 18, 2013 at 8:12 am
Maybe the dog bit the hand that feeds him and the punishment fit the crime
james houston
Oct 4, 2013 at 11:14 am
Southern DOES mean dumb sometimes! These retard cops definitely prove that. Georgia and Mississippi…Need I say more??
john
Sep 30, 2013 at 3:34 pm
it’s ok, he’s a cop. cops are allowed to do this without getting into trouble, it’s a perk of the job
bruce smoot
Sep 30, 2013 at 12:32 pm
just goes to show you that this is really a statement on how much these police officer really care about there jobs an the protection that is being dish out. Why does someone half to die before a auto water bucket is installed in the police cars? Then look what they will spend on fancy cars with all the lates gadgets an toys that are never used.
Paul
Sep 20, 2013 at 12:19 pm
Murder one bookem Dano. Killing a police K9 will get you the same murder charges as killing a 2 legged cop. But these clowns tortured these animals to death.
lk
Sep 15, 2013 at 12:57 pm
Clearly these idiots should not be entrusted with handling animals, they should lose their jobs and paid leave, that’s outrageous.
john
Sep 9, 2013 at 10:22 am
hiding behind a badge and being supported by the rest
police are as human as anyone else and should be treated as such
prosecute and fry the mothertruckers
Jonathan
Sep 7, 2013 at 8:47 am
A K9-Cop is considered the same as a police officer. Murder of a police officer is a CAPITAL CRIME! Therefore he should be charged with CAPITAL MURDER and be sentenced to the death penalty! NO EXCEPTIONS That is if the inmates don’t get to him first and save the state some money.
lk
Sep 15, 2013 at 12:59 pm
That’s what happens when an alleged criminal tries to harm a K9 animal, why should the professional handler cop be treated in any other way?
Cainus Watcher
Sep 5, 2013 at 7:34 am
People don’t value animals like they do family or human life; so— require special squad car adapations for every K9 unit where idiots like these cops can’t kill their partners. Special glass or cabs designed where air is allowed to circulate. Maybe slits in the floors or glass or doors; require vents to run on battery power alllowing air from outside in.
lk
Sep 15, 2013 at 1:04 pm
If left for a long enough period of time the battery would die and the dog would be in the same condition, dead, and slits or open windows to fix the problem. Your comment seeks to take the responsibility from the “officer” (I use that term with reservation), it’s his or her job to care for the dog and if that person can’t do so they should be fired and reassigning them to other duty is making a place for an incompetent, that is not the public’s responsibility.
Nancy
Sep 2, 2013 at 6:52 am
and the so called officer should be charge and terminated!
Nancy
Sep 2, 2013 at 6:49 am
maybe they should be required to turn their canine partners in to the deptment at the end of their shifts, to be housed in a kennel where they are cared for on their off hours.
lk
Sep 15, 2013 at 1:06 pm
K9 officers are responsible for their dogs, that’s part of the job, you are adding another job at the police department which costs taxpayers money, if the cop can’t do the job, get rid of the cop.
James
Sep 1, 2013 at 12:34 pm
As a former police officer & a current dog owner and lover I can’t agree more with all of you. I would have arrested and charged the average citizen if you left your animal in your car. Even if it lived, let alone died,this is criminal and “I forgot” is NOT a defense.
I purchased fans for my dogs kennels that they sleep in at night. They are water dogs and get hot easy. If you care for animals at all you owe them that much. It is our duty to care for them all they want to do is please.
These men should be fired & tried criminaly.
Maria
Aug 31, 2013 at 11:27 am
I don’t know how anyone can forget their pet or K-9 partner in their car. 3 Days??? Do people not realize how hot the car is when you open your car when the windows have been rolled up???? SHame on them!!!
Robert Brownell
Aug 12, 2013 at 9:15 am
Wow and I bet none of those cops were prosecuted The worse one is the cop who left him for 3 days WOW . Fine examples of Caring COPS right ????
Barbc
Aug 11, 2013 at 11:13 am
This is no different than leaving a child in a hot car. They should prosecuted the same.
I had three small children and never did I ever forget I had a child in the car.
I do not understand how anyone walks away from a vehicle with another body, child or animal, and not remember they are there!
Joe South
Aug 10, 2013 at 9:47 am
A very sad affair anyway you look at it. The office should be terminated, and charges should be brought against him over the dog’d death.
Carolyn Lanier
Aug 9, 2013 at 7:32 am
For the life of me I will never understand how a person can leave a child or and animal in a car, I just can’t believe that they forget that they are in the car, I have never forgotten anything and left it in a car and no one will ever convince me that they forgot that someone was in the car. There is no excuse for it.
John Brokelman
Aug 9, 2013 at 5:54 am
People, this is Georga were talking about, I can hear the banjos playing.
Ruth M.
Aug 6, 2013 at 3:15 am
They should be prosecuted, but they won’t because they are police officers.
Genevieve Fricano
Aug 4, 2013 at 9:00 am
I say we leave the police officer who left his dog in a car for 3 days and went on vacation in a car for 3 days and let him suffer the same way the poor dog did. That was clearly just total stupidity!!
Amanda Scott
Aug 3, 2013 at 1:11 pm
COME ON PEOPLE I THINK IT’S RIDICULOUS THAT SOMEONE SO IRRESPONSIBLE IS A POLICE OFFICER THEY SHOULD IMMEDIATELY BE TERMINATED WITH NO PAY OR COMPENSATION AND CHARGED WITH MURDER
Lynda fretz
Jul 30, 2013 at 9:29 am
I think they should be charged with involuntary manslaughter of a police officer and send their stupid asses to prison and let the convicts issue a little revenge for the animals that they so cruelfully tortured and murdered
gregory
Jul 29, 2013 at 12:23 pm
this officer should be locked in the squad car just like the poor dog nd stroke out as well
Patty
Jul 29, 2013 at 2:04 am
Now I know why I think so many cops are evil.
mark
Jul 28, 2013 at 9:13 am
The way I look at it, first, the cop’s a southerner, so you have to make excuses right off the bat. No one ever went broke underestimating the idiocy of a cracker, and crackers, well, they’re crackers. So, maybe the moral of the story is no police dogs to ANY police department located below the Mason-Dixon Line. That would be a good start, since giving idiots, ptherwise known as southern “crackers,” responsibility for police dogs is just insane!
Debbie
Jul 26, 2013 at 9:51 am
I REALLY HOPE THEY FACE CHARGES OF ANIMAL NEGLECT RESULTING TO DEATH. MIKE VICK WENT TO JAIL AND THESE GUYS WHERE DOG HANDLER TRAINERS….MORE LIKE DOG KILLERS.
HE’S ON PAID LEAVE????FOR WHAT MURDER!!!!! REALLY????
Justice
Jul 24, 2013 at 10:24 am
Someone started a petition to charge Berry with Spartacus’ murder on change.org
change.org/petitions/woodstock-georgia-police-department-charge-officer-berry-with-spartacus-s-murder
Tms
Jul 24, 2013 at 9:10 am
Thank you Aln for your very sensible and intelligent reply. We have three dogs, a 15 year old Chocolate Lab, a 2 yr old German Shepherd and a 6 month Malinois/Shepherd mix. Our dogs are with us constantly, in the vehicle and out. For many years I owned an art gallery on main street and lived upstairs in the loft. My Chocolate Lab was with me every step of the way. I would take her to the city park first thing in the morning and usually two or three times a day. Once after our morning outing before my store opened, I returned to the store, gathered up my things out of the car and went in. My Lab has been my faithful companion since she was three 1/2 weeks old. It was an hour before I realized that she wasn’t inside. Fortunately it was cool outside and in the vehicle. I’ve always regretted it. She is a dark color and very well-behaved. You seldom know she is in the vehicle. It is tragic that these things have happened with the K-9 officers. Although Proverbs speaks of “regarding the life of your animal,” the Bible also says, “let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” We do not know the specific circumstance in each case. Deliberate neglect is one thing, but do we know that the officer who left the K-9 in his vehicle hadn’t arranged for someone to pick it up immediately upon him leaving it in a specific location? Or do we know that the other officers mentioned weren’t called to the scene of a terrible tragedy. We came upon a terrible accident last week that involved a cattle truck hitting an SUV head on, the man in the SUV was pinned in the vehicle with the motor in his lap. It took an hour and 15 minutes to cut him out. We heard later that he lost both his legs, an arm and eventually his life. We came upon the scene 4 hours later and the officer was still working the accident. It is best to leave the judging up to the jury when we do not know the specific circumstances and hope that we are not judged with the same regard we afford others.
lk
Sep 15, 2013 at 1:17 pm
You are no better than the cop, I’ve owned dogs for 40 years and have never left one in a car because I forgot to take it into my home. As to it being tragic, it’s not tragic, it’s stupid and irresponsible, the dogs are their charge. How is this any different than leaving a child in a car? If an alleged criminal assaulted a K9 dog, that would be considered assaulting a cop and a cop should be held to a higher standard.
slim pickens
Jul 23, 2013 at 10:10 am
Special treatment for special criminals. He had better end up in prison for killing a police officer, or maybe it doesn’t matter any more.
toni pardus
Jul 22, 2013 at 4:30 am
I hope that the officer in charge of those two who let their dogs die never again allow them to handle another dog and matter in fact have them charged for animal cruelty
Lynn
Jul 21, 2013 at 10:03 am
I was a dog handler. trainer, and kennel master in Vietnam. My dog had saved my life on many, many occasions without reservation. It is totally inconceivable and absolutely irresponsible for a trained handler to treat his partner with such disreguard, it criminal and should be dealt without impunity. It sickens me to think that us as dog handlers, are even associated with such disgrace. Those so called officers/handlers should be fired, pay for the replacement of the K-9, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for murdering a fellow officer/partner. I would gladly go to jail for kicking their worthless asses….
roy
Jul 21, 2013 at 8:28 am
Fire the cop he’s not fit to be a dog handeler.
Kay
Jul 20, 2013 at 11:47 am
I have a boarder collie who stays in the car while I go shopping. Of course both doors of the van are wide open and she never moves, even if someone approaches or a cat or other dog goes by. Why can’t the windows be open in police cars? Or the windows made special so the dogs can open them for emergencies? I do think these dingbats should be punished just like we would be. They are cop killers.
lk
Sep 15, 2013 at 1:19 pm
Cars go heat to over 130 degrees with closed windows and over 100 with opened windows so you solution isn’t a solution.
lk
Sep 15, 2013 at 1:21 pm
Would you want to be sitting in a car with open windows in the summer in Georgia? Why not try it and let me know comfortable it is and make sure you put on a fur coat first.
Jean
Jul 19, 2013 at 10:03 am
I DON’T SEE THAT THESE MEN SHOULD BE TREATED ANY DIFFERENT THAT WE WOULD. IF THEY WOULD LEAVE THERE BEST FRIEND IN A CAR TO DIE, WHAT WOULD THEY DO TO US OR FOR US? MAYBE THEY WOULD FORGET ABOUT THE EM CALL OR GO ON VACATION IF THEY DIDN’T WANT TAKE CARE OF IT?
A.C.
Jul 19, 2013 at 9:05 am
I’m a cop, and I have absolutely NO sympathy for these pieces of sh*t!! I sincerely hope that each of them are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. What they have done is inexcusable; plain and simple. I hope the ASPCA and PETA both take action to see to it that these officers are prosecuted and are never able to work in law enforcement again. Dogs are members of the family, and anyone who doesn’t feel that way shouldn’t have one.
charlotte
Jul 18, 2013 at 3:10 am
This just really pisses me off. How in the hell do you leave your partner in the car in heat this bad? How do you go off for three days and leave your partner in the car??? There are all kinds of advertisments, reports on tv and so on about leaving your children and pets in the car and yet, people conitnue to do so and are shocked when they die. These officers should never have another K-9 partner ever again and face criminal charges.
Gayle
Jul 15, 2013 at 2:48 pm
Aln, I understand what you are saying but it comes down to these officers being irresponsible when leaving a dog in the car for so many hours. They usually leave their cars running with the air-conditioner on but these 2 idots didn’t even do that! The officer that went on vacation should have taken the dog out of the car when he got out knowing that he was going on vacation. Bottom line his vacation was more important than the life of the dog! Bottom line is that the officers made a huge mistake and they should be punished for not being responsible for their partners (dog). If we did something like that they would charge us with cruelty to animals and put us in jail. Even if they don’t go to jail there has to be some kind of punishment for the officers, and make sure that they never, ever have another k-9 to work with them. Leave that for the responsible officers!
lk
Sep 15, 2013 at 1:22 pm
I wonder who was going to car for the dog while this idiot was on vacation or had he neglected to make those arrangements too?
Gayle
Jul 15, 2013 at 2:38 pm
I feel that the officer has had alot of training and the subject of leaving children and dogs in hot cars is an everything event. There is no excuse for someone to leave a dog in a car for so many hours. How can you forget when the dog is with you all day and he is breathing on you and barking. Who does that?????? That means he would probably forget his child is in the car! I understand that police are human and we all are and we do make mistakes but that is not something that we would do because we would know that our dog is in the car.. But at the same time you also have to realize that the dog is an officer of the law and they should be respected just like human beings. I think it is cruel when you forget that your dog is in the car and you go on vacation and leave the dog to die. Vacation is that important that you can’t remember your partner (dog) is still out in the car??? There has to be some kind of punishment and they should never be able to have a k-9 ever again.
Davepro
Jul 15, 2013 at 9:18 am
What charges would a citizen face if they accidentally murdered a Police Dog???
Joe
Jul 11, 2013 at 9:45 am
Police Officers commonly leave their dogs in the car when they enter a building or other facility where the dog cannot be admitted. While they are inside the cars are left running. Some of the cars have special ventilation systems which help to keep the dog cool. Unfortunately, if the car has some sort of mechanical problem it can shut down and quickly heat up. While I can’t defend all of these guys we should be careful not to jump to conclusions about what really happened…
Aln
Jul 11, 2013 at 9:38 am
As sad as this story is, every comment I saw was of hatred or ill will for the officer and lacking of compassion for the animal. It’s even more sad when you hear these stories and it is a kid dying in a hit car. Though like clockwork, sympathy is rarely offered before malice. Most people ignore the reality of we are all humans and we all make mistakes. Should a parent be charged when their child is abducted because they were allowed to walk to a friends house or to the corner to get an ice cream and a sick pedophile lured him or her not his van? If he parent had been next to the child at all times the abduction likely never would have happened. What if the family dog that never once showed aggression towards anyone including children, one day attacked and killed their child? Is that their fault no matter what? What if while a parent was in another room their child opened the refrigerator without asking and got out a hot dog; while eating the hot dog a piece became lodged in his or her throat and the child died? It’s the parents fault, without a doubt. Either the hot dogs should have never been allowed in the house or they should have been secured in some way. The death was completely unavoidable, right? Say a father who ate a Reese’s cup an hour earlier and then kisses his child good night without realizing a small piece of peanut butter was stuck in his mustache. His child who has a peanut allergy then dies from contacting this small amount of peanut butter. The father killed his child. He should go to jail for manslaughter, right? Why every time an unfortunate mistake without malice, specifically that of leaving a pet or child in a hot car, is made, that results in death everyone wants to make the person who probably is grieving the most suffer further for a very unfortunate accident? Sometimes accidents happen. It’s amazing how people ignorantly opine that because the incident involved a human or an animal an accident will never take place. But if it does, then the person who is responsible is some cold-hearted moron that obviously didn’t love his child or pet enough by letting this happen. Today when a female becomes pregnant because she and her partner were irresponsible, we celebrate and champion the right of a woman to be able to “erase” the mistake, but we condemn another who does the same. How about a little more empathy, acceptance, and forgiveness for those who will forever grieve and live the rest of their lives knowing they killed their own child instead of automatic intolerance and condemnation towards someone that obviously isn’t near as thoughtful, caring, responsible, wonderful, perfect, and loving as all of you.
James
Sep 1, 2013 at 12:53 pm
ALN..Good comments and Commen Sense but, this is no excuse for criminal negligence. You can’t just excuse away the fact that they allowed a defenseless animal that they were responsible for to perish on their watch. Iunderstand accidents happen but, to leave for three days and not even have it occur to you while your gone what you forgot. Then make a phone call and have someone go rescue the animal.
You a completely welcome to your opinion but, so are we and ours (99.99% of us anyway) says these men should be terminated from their positions and tried criminaly.
lk
Sep 15, 2013 at 1:26 pm
How did this turn into a discussion about responsibility for birth control and peanut allergies, you didn’t have another place to offer that opinion? STFU!
Diane
Jul 10, 2013 at 11:15 am
He should be prosecuted to the fullest extent. He killed a K9 Officer Named Spartaces! And is getting paid for it while the investigation is on going! What’s wrong with this????? Aticus should be taken away from him before he kills him too. He’s already shown how irresponsible he is! You can’t trust him. I wonder if he should be a officer to begin with! I wouldn’t want him to respond to a call I’d need. I don’t think he’d be able to handle a call! He’s made himself look really good as a Police Officer!(How DISGUSTING he is!) I’m so glad he’s not in our community. God Bless Spartacus! He didn’t deserve to die in this way! Nor does any K9 Officers! This dog would have died protecting this man. Look at how he protected his dog!
Judiana Stiens
Jul 10, 2013 at 8:33 am
This is sickening! I would like to at the very least leave these guys in a hot car until they come very close to dying. Let them try to claw their way out like those poor dogs. They should be fired & prosecuted for murder of a police officer. I firmly believe that if anyone sees an animal locked in a car in the heat, they should be not be held liable for damages if they break out the car windows and rescue the animal. I know for a fact that my daughter would not hesitate to do so.
Sherri Mccormick
Jul 9, 2013 at 9:54 pm
“…whether officer Barry will face criminal charges…” Are you kidding me?!?! HE IS A CRIMINAL! It’s called ANIMAL ABUSE! YOU ARE NOT EXEMPT BECAUSE YOU WEAR AN F’ING BADGE, DAMN IT!!!
Gayle
Jul 15, 2013 at 2:51 pm
He should have some kind of punishment, no if and’s or what about it! Do something to make sure they remember what they did to their partners (dogs).
sam
Jul 9, 2013 at 10:20 am
what is wrong with these people,what happened to common sense.you would not leave a child in the car.
The Mow Lawn Lobby
Jul 7, 2013 at 9:09 am
How is it even possible to forget you have a dog in the back seat, especially a HUGE one like a Malinois?
Tom Suleski
Jul 5, 2013 at 9:28 am
Another idiot cop kills another dog. I guess he had to pick up the donuts before they ran out? This is why I don’t donate.
Pollyester
Jul 4, 2013 at 10:31 am
THIS IS WHY THE PUBLIC GOES WILD.
The article says the police station is deciding IF he will face charges. IF?
Apparently in Georgia the police receive preferential treatment.
If a citizen would have killed the dog in this fashion they WOULD BE IN JAIL. PERIOD.
Mark
Jul 1, 2013 at 7:04 am
As tragic as this seems, and as cruel as it feels; I am quite sure that the officers in question were horrified when they discovered their mistake and are more than willing to accept any discipline that their department’s decide to hand out. That said, these men and women are highly trained people who made a tragic mistake, and while they should be disciplined; they should not lose their jobs.
DogLovr
Jul 19, 2013 at 10:08 am
Even the three day officer? You are warped…please return your animal to the nearest care facility/dog pound. Someone with some sense will surely adopt the poor animal!
Ashley
Jun 28, 2013 at 12:04 pm
Three days?!?!?! I’m horrified…all these officers should be dismissed and prosecuted, they MUST be held accountable for their actions. These poor dogs, it breaks my heart.
Janice Olson
Jun 23, 2013 at 2:10 pm
Buster’s Law! They should never again own a pet!
Janice Olson
Jun 23, 2013 at 2:08 pm
An eye for an eye,a life for a life:( They should be held accountable!
Julia Jester
Jun 22, 2013 at 11:17 am
This is just no caring! I say hang him and hang him high!Leave him in the tree for three days! let the buzzards have him!
Marilyn Ritter
Jun 20, 2013 at 12:48 pm
When is the justice system in this country going to recognize that animals are living creatures who can suffer the same as humans and those who cause the suffering need to be charged and given HARSH sentences. This country has gotten way too lenient on criminals, especially animal abusers. In my opinion, it is time that a person who harms or kills an animal should be treated as harshly as a person who harms or kills a human. In the end, it is all connected.
tracy
Jun 20, 2013 at 9:50 am
Sad but the officer should have charges he knows better then that and i thought they ran there car no matter what on air-conditioning .He is no better then any one else sad that the dog suffered even under someone who is the law and knows better ……
diane
Jun 20, 2013 at 9:36 am
these “officers” should be charged with animal abuse. Im sick over this. I have a service dog and it would devistate me if anything happened to him and would probably hurt anyone who hurt or tried to hurt him.
I feel bad leaving my dog in his crate for a few hours – there is no way I would even think about 3 days.
That poor dog – may he rest in peace.
Paul K
Jun 20, 2013 at 8:09 am
Rational, well adjusted people should be sad this happened, but don’t assume dogs are people, or have the same rights and privilages as people. The officer described in this article kept his previous dog as a family pet, and has qualified as a good officer in his force. Does that seem like a fully negligent idiot. Do we need to terminate and prosecute a man whom has this much training, experience and investment.
Have him do public service and remedial training for 30 days. The self-righteous people above frothing at the mouth about a dog don’t get this excited over corrupt police officers, which I see as more damaging.
Cathy
Jun 20, 2013 at 8:37 am
I disagree with you Paul. The dog was not ‘just a dog’. It was also a member of the police force. It’s doubtful public service and/or remedial training would make a difference. If he would leave his dog in the car for 3 days, couldn’t that happen with a child? This not a responsible individual. Regarding the corruption issue? There’s not enough time to go there…
Vicki Moore
Aug 13, 2013 at 10:09 pm
That officer left a dog in a hot car long enough for it to have a heat stroke and die Paul so, YEAH, it does seem like the actions of a fully negligent idiot. Secondly, I have met a multitude of “humans” who don’t deserve the rights, the respect OR the privilage of being a member of the human race. Dogs don’t have to be “people” in order to be treated properly
Pamela Beck
Jun 20, 2013 at 12:48 am
I certainly hope these K-9 officers are being prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for felony animal neglect/abuse!
And are never allowed to be a guardian for any animal ever again.
HOW DO YOU “FORGET” THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR PARTNER?????????????
And how the hell do you still get paid while being investigated for dereliction of duty? THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!
Cathy
Jun 20, 2013 at 6:55 am
The very sad part is that he will continue to receive pay, while he does what he wants on his time off. How much grieving will he do? My guess, not much. Many of these cops have ‘off the charts’ arrogance levels. Stop thinking you’re God’s gift to the world. Be more humble. And certainly don’t ever THINK ABOUT OWNING OR CARING FOR AN ANIMAL OF ANY KIND EVER AGAIN. That officer deserves the same jail time I would receive if I committed that crime! Also, why would he still have a job? Very scary what that says to the public in that area and anywhere else this happens. Absolutely disgusting.
G. Anderson
Jun 20, 2013 at 12:23 am
Too bad that STUPID is not a crime
G. Anderson
Jun 20, 2013 at 12:22 am
Goes to show how STUPID police officers really are….7 yrs. on the canine force
and we trust this scum bag to protect us? God help us. He deserves to HANG
Becky Stockum
Jun 19, 2013 at 11:39 pm
I have frequently taken my dogs with me, even in hot weather, & left them in my vehicle—-but the vehicle is running & AC is on at highest level & the emergency brake is on. I take the second set of keys with me on the off chance that they might lock the doors——-and I don’t leave them in there for very long a time by themselves. I cannot imagine ever forgetting about my dogs—and mine are ‘just’ pets for even an hour or so—-let alone for 3 days!!!!!!
Teresa Holden
Jun 19, 2013 at 11:30 pm
I am Pissed right now!!!!! These people are supposed to “protect and serve” and they can’t even keep their K9 companions safe. Please take the dogs away from these irresponsible lowlifes. They deserve jail time. They really deserve to be punished in the same manner that these poor babies lost their lives. FIRE THESE JERKS and LOCK THEM UP!!!! Forever!!!!!
Frann
Jun 19, 2013 at 11:29 pm
Whatever happened to these wonderful animals should be inflicted on their caregivers, in other words, the cops who neglected to take proper care of these highly trained animals should be stuck in a situation where they have no water or food and high heat situations until they die! I am serious, If you can’t take proper care of an animal, you should not have it and the same with children.
Frann
Carrie
Jun 19, 2013 at 11:25 pm
These dogs are a part of the family. If they forget their dogs in the car, I would suggest DHS make a visit to check on their kids. Absolutely disgusting. All of these officers should be fired….and put in jail for cruelty to animals. These people make me want to vomit.
Lisa
Jun 19, 2013 at 10:48 pm
I think they all need to be punished fired and prosecuted with no pay if it was not a police officer or a civilian we would get punished to the fullest extent of the law they r no different in fact they should get punished even more cause its there partner n cruelty to the dogs
Jennifer
Jun 19, 2013 at 10:35 pm
This makes me want to VOMIT! How about an eye for an eye!
Lorie
Jun 19, 2013 at 10:28 pm
This is as bad a people leaving children alone. He is considered an officer and the idiot that left him should have the same punishment as you and I killing an officer
Dottie
Jun 19, 2013 at 10:22 pm
How in the world can these “TRAINED HANDLERS” forget their partner? Especially when this “partner” watches & protects your back with his / her life!! I pray these so called “Police officers – Handlers’ ” crimes do not get swept under the carpets!! They should be put in JAIL and maybe the inmates might like to talk to them about it!
bev
Jun 19, 2013 at 10:16 pm
I think the forgetful patrolman should be locked in the car and forgotten. Anyone with half a brain knows better than to leave an animal or person in a closed vehicle. One of Georgia’s finest….
vanessa
Jun 19, 2013 at 10:06 pm
they will determine if he is charged by how long dog was left in car really it was enough to kill him any other citizen would be held responsible for this, the poor dog was part of your police force sure he saved your officers a time or two treat him like he one of your own, any other citizen would be handed a life sentence for killing a cop, well this dog was a cop he suffered now hold this man responsible…
Allison
Jun 19, 2013 at 10:06 pm
How long was Spartacus left in the car…how about “too long”!!? Administrative leave??? Is this a joke? He KILLED a fellow officer of the law!!!!! This officer Berry should be locked up and charged with negligent homicide or animal abuse and neglect or something!!! These idiot police need to take this more seriously. They’re planning a memorial service…I pray to god they won’t let this imbecile Berry attend it…hopefully he’ll be in jail where his moronic ass belongs!!!
Oh, and PLEASE take Atticus away from him before he kills that dog too!!!!!!!!!
Michele
Jun 19, 2013 at 10:01 pm
Are you freakin’ KIDDING ME? It’s not like it’s a secret that dogs are dying in hot cars! Fire this stupid jerk AND prosecute him. And I completely agree with the people who say this amounts to killing a fellow officer.
lee
Jun 19, 2013 at 9:54 pm
If I killed a k-9 cop I would be charged with 1st degree murder of a peace officer. I feel they deserve the same.. fucking pig bastards. They are slightly higher then politicians on the totum pole
Bonnie Blitch
Jun 19, 2013 at 9:52 pm
WTF……….This Officer should be Punished to the Fullest for this Cruel Act of Animal Abuse. If this Officer Only gets a Slap on the Wrist, then what is the point of Punishing others for doing the same Crime??
THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THIS ACT !!!!!
Kaye Thomas
Jun 19, 2013 at 9:44 pm
I think these police officers should be punished to the fullest. This is totally wrong, police should set the example for all of us but they get away with so much. I would not get away with this but then i don’t leave my dog in a car at all. WRONG OFFICER!
Peggy Shay
Jun 19, 2013 at 9:42 pm
if it were a human cop that got killed by another cop he would be suspended with out pay and an internal investigation. they should do the samething with this guy. suspended with out pay. and when he does return to work a desk job. better yet take his badge and fire him.
Laurie Fan
Jun 19, 2013 at 9:39 pm
How stupid of that officer? Doesn’t he know any better? He does not need to have ANY animals, at home or at work, as he can’t take care of those poor living creatures.
Dee Anderson
Jun 19, 2013 at 9:29 pm
All of these pathetic so called cops should all be locked in a car then put out in the desert or someplace where it gets so hot. They all should be brought up on charges of murder….fired and never be allowed to be a cop or K-9 handler.
RIP all dogs that died.
sara partlow
Jun 19, 2013 at 9:25 pm
They are officers to. would you leave a human in a hot car? don’t thin so. the officers should be punished to the full extent of the law for animal abuse.
Melissa Fitzgerald
Jun 19, 2013 at 9:08 pm
how on earth do you forget a dog in a car.
Phyllis
Jun 19, 2013 at 8:05 pm
stupid, stupid, stupid – those animals suffered terribly. The taxpayers will have to pick up the tab for new K9 and all that training.
Animal Lover
Jun 19, 2013 at 7:56 pm
And you wonder why we call them “PIGS” They’re should be treated like any other cop killers.
Christina Evans
Jun 19, 2013 at 7:53 pm
I have only disgust and anger toward these police officers. The suffering these poor animals went through-this should be considered a crime. The dogs ARE police officers and if someone committing a crime were to cause their death they would be charged with murder of a police officer. So….that’s what crime the officers should be charged with.
They certainly don’t deserve to put on a uniform and represent ANY police department!
Heather A Hill
Jun 19, 2013 at 7:03 pm
Prosecute each and every officer. If they weren’t “officers” they would have been prosecuted for sure! Make them pay.
Jean
Jun 19, 2013 at 6:25 pm
There is absolutely no excuse for this. The dog would have given its life for the officer and the officer negligently and needlessly let the dog die. This happened a couple of years ago in Phoenix and there was a huge outcry against the officer. Shame on this guy; he is a disgrace to the memory of this dog. I cannot imagine that dying of heat stroke is a pleasant way to go. Think of the poor dog suffering and not able to understand why his human did not come for him. If the officer is not fired, he should at the very least be removed from K9 duty and maybe not allowed to even own a dog. Really sad.
cherie
Jun 19, 2013 at 6:11 pm
If a criminal kills a police dog they are charged with murder of a police officer. So because these guys killed one of their own its okay. They should be charged just like anybody else would .
Charlene
Jun 19, 2013 at 6:03 pm
Really? So somebody that STUPID is out defending the public from crime. He should lose his job. Bet he doesn’t forget to deposit his pay check. Also, there are devices that can be put on police cars that set off an alarm when the vehicle gets too hot. This is such a disgrace.
Dianne
Jun 19, 2013 at 5:55 pm
they should face charges just like the rest of the public would. sorry don’t car if they are a police officer or not.
doris hamilton
Jun 19, 2013 at 5:50 pm
Are these guys idiots or what. I have to call on them for help. They may forget to come to my aid. How sad to read about the dog left in a car for 3 days. Can you imagine what that poor animal went thru. These officers need to be fired. There is ABSOLUTELY no excuse
Andy G
Jun 19, 2013 at 5:44 pm
Foired the son of a bitch and prosecute him. Anyone who leaves any animal in a hot car should be arrested and jailed
Andy G
Jun 19, 2013 at 5:45 pm
Thats FIRE, sorry for my poor typing skills
Patti Ryan
Jun 19, 2013 at 5:42 pm
How heartbreaking and inexcusable! Does this not constitute contributing to the death of a FELLOW OFFICER?
All the rightful hooplah regarding treating canines as ‘fellow officers’ should also carry over failing to back up your partner!
Consequences should be the same!
LINDA
Jun 19, 2013 at 5:13 pm
THIS IS A OUTRAGE HOW CAN YOU FORGET YOUR PARTNER. WHAT ARE THESE IDIOTS SMOKEN THIS IS HAPPENING WAY TO MUCH. THESE GUYS GIVE THEIR ALL AND DIE FOR YOU AND THESE JERKS CANT EVEN THINK TO BE AWARE THEY HAVE A DOG FOR A PARTNER AND LOOK OUT FOR HIM.
SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE THIS SHOULD NOT CONTINUE. DO SOMETHING TO BRING CHANGE PERIOD. OR GET RID OF THESE GUYS IF THEY ARE THAT CARELESS THIS IS A ANIMALS LIFE AT STAKE AND SO UNNESSARY. DO SOMETHING TO MAKE THESE CHANGES.
timmytheimpaler
Jun 20, 2013 at 4:09 am
How about learning grammar, spelling, and punctuation?
Mary DiBlasi
Jun 20, 2013 at 10:19 am
Bad grammar doesn’t kill anyone. You’re missing the point. What this officer did is unconscionable. He would quickly arrest anyone else who did the same thing. There should be no special treatment here. Aside from the animal cruelty which is obvious and important, the dog was a valuable asset to the police department. These dogs are usually expensive imports and take a long time to train. Even if it was a mutt with a bad attitude it is a horrible way to die because someone “forgot.”
dianne torres
Jun 19, 2013 at 4:39 pm
This happens why too often…punishment is not harsh enough because it keeps happening
Donelle DeWitt
Jun 19, 2013 at 4:26 pm
His leave should not be paid and while he’s on leave he should be required to do public service – preferably with an animal shelter where he’d be supervised. Don’t want him being irresponsible with shelter animals. He should be prosecuted and serve time, kept in a cell that’s over 90°!
Police K9s and their officers are supposed to be partners who look out for each other. You can bet the dog would never have let his “handler” meet with the same fate!
Debbie
Jun 19, 2013 at 4:25 pm
Really? 3 days in a car? How does one forget his dog!!!????
Jackye Tate
Jun 19, 2013 at 4:24 pm
I am sorry, but no one can say they don’t know better. There are billboards advertising temperatures in cars against outside temperature. This is blatant animal cruelty and this officer should be held accountable. Every newspaaper, magazine, social website constantly puts out reminders–DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR… The officers probably feels terrible and didn’t mean to kill the dog, that is what every scumbag says when it happens to them, Charge him with animal cruelty.
John Ranney
Jun 22, 2013 at 4:33 pm
I totally agree with the sentiments voiced here about animal deaths as a result of being left in a car. I also agree with your assessment that there is enough education around us to continually remind us of the dangers of leaving animals (and people) in unattended cars.
Now, if we were to assume that this education would be enough for the sinerios that we’re talking about, could we also assume that there is enough education thru all types of media concerning drunck driving and we still have that as a daily scurge upon our society today.
When I look at and read the news, current and history, I come to the coclusion that human kind is basically dispicable, yet redeamable.
Sheila
Jul 8, 2013 at 10:39 am
I believe that drunk driving is not the same thing, there is a difference in leaving an animal or child in a vehicle and choosing to driving while drunk. People make the choice to do it they just do it and get away with it because they instead of giving their keys to someone else when they get drunk they just get in their vehicle and drive. Most drunks will get mad if you try to take their keys.
I am not giving an excuse for forgetting a child or animal just stating a difference.
Karen Britton
Jun 19, 2013 at 4:16 pm
This just totally sickens me. I can’t even find the words to describe how I feel. I cannot believe that these men are sooooo irresponsible with their K-9 dogs. How can you even forget that your dog is in the car, never mind in the heat and closing all the windows, it’s not even acceptable. They should all be punished and never allowed to have a dog again. Fire them yes, maybe they will learn a good lesson.
Pam Brafdley
Jun 20, 2013 at 4:53 am
IT IS ANIMAL ABUSE TO THE FULL DEGREE .
sandra
Jun 19, 2013 at 4:13 pm
i can’t believe they were so stupid and irresponsible as to leave their dogs in hot cars. i will not leave my dog in the car if the temperature is over 50! it gets way too hot way too quick to leave them in the car. it’s people like that who leave little kids in cars to die. the dogs that died were highly trained dogs and would do anything for their handler. i’m just baffled at the lack of thinking those officers showed by leaving the dogs in the car.
Mom Kastner
Jun 19, 2013 at 4:13 pm
Shocked Speachless………:(
Ann Gately
Jun 19, 2013 at 4:08 pm
Termination, cost of training a new dog, court case for abuse to animals, jail, community service.. I could go on and on… how could they?????? That dog is their partner, one that would die trying to save them.
yvonne
Jul 16, 2013 at 9:31 am
I agree with all the above… this was his partner.. how could he forget… he should be treated the same as u or I
Chris
Jul 17, 2013 at 8:56 am
Well Said!
DogLovr
Jul 19, 2013 at 9:35 am
Everyday, K9’s are sent into very probable death/near death situations, alone, or at least without vest protection (Kevlar, or the like), ahead of the officers, without the slightest concern for the outcome of the dogs safety…and, if I sent my dog into such a situation, even once, I’d be crucified by the courts!
These dogs are being abused!
That being said…look how many human lives are saved by doing so?
A slippery slope, to be sure; but, a fair trade-off, in the grand scheme of things.
Unless, of course, you happen to be recruited as a K9.
carol groleau
Jun 19, 2013 at 4:06 pm
maybe the police force should train their staff on common sense … since no police seem to have them
Sami
Jun 19, 2013 at 4:02 pm
THE POLICE DEPT of all people should try to have a brain or no K-9 at all I would like to lock them in a car and leave them there to drop dead from the heat!
Pam Brafdley
Jun 20, 2013 at 4:51 am
IM WITH YOU ON THAT .
Trish Kinner
Jul 27, 2013 at 4:21 am
I would gladly help you. It made me sick to my stomach when I read there were signs that the poor animal tried to get out. I think any ‘officer’ of the law who is this uncaring needs to spend some quality time with real dog lovers in the slammer. It would be even better if he were assigned to a cell containing someone he arrested.
kathy
Jun 19, 2013 at 4:01 pm
I hope that these men are prosecuted and dismissed from their jobs. How the H… can you forget a dog in a car, let alone for 3 days! Better yet take them out in the wilderness and put them in a car and leave them for 3 days, whoever lives gets to clean out the car!
brian
Jun 19, 2013 at 4:33 pm
should be terminated and charges brought on as if he killed a police officer with no mercy for being a police officer!
donna
Aug 25, 2013 at 3:27 pm
I agree with brian and can’t believe that barry is n paid leave?? really he killed his partner!! HELLO
donna
Aug 25, 2013 at 3:27 pm
berry
Carla
Nov 4, 2013 at 12:29 pm
Unbelievable and heartbreaking.
Those handlers don’t deserve to have ANY ANIMAL.
I say…. put the guilty officer in a HOT VEHICLE
won’t be as bad, but he should suffer and feel what his beloved dog felt.
Karen
Jun 19, 2013 at 10:25 pm
They should be dismissed, did you know if you shoot or kill one, you can be charged for killing a police officer. They should not be exempt.
Ellen
Aug 2, 2013 at 11:37 am
Agreed. Charged with killing a police officer.
christopher
Sep 24, 2013 at 1:31 am
I hope he does not have kids.
Pam Brafdley
Jun 20, 2013 at 4:50 am
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU OVER THIS THIS OFFICER SHOULD FACE CHARGES .. WOULD HE LEAVE HIS KID IN THE CAR HELL NO .
Marilyn
Jun 20, 2013 at 12:37 pm
I agree, Kathy. Especially when your job involves having a dog with you the majority of your working hours. There is absolutely no such thing as “forgetting” a child or dog in a car.
Chris
Jul 17, 2013 at 8:55 am
This is unbelievable and should be treated as a crime of murder. Wonder what they were doing while the poor animals were sitting waiting for them to come back????
Debbie Mc
Jun 23, 2013 at 2:43 pm
Ok so if a civilian kills a k-9 officer is is just like he killed a human cop, so what will these idiots get charged with?? They should be terminated!!! Sorry but this is death in the most unhumane and cruel way. We prosecute people for animal cruelty.. so what will happen… I want to see how this plays out!!!
ANGELA
Jul 18, 2013 at 3:35 am
OH MY GOSH…. What happened to being treated like family?
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THESE MEN?????
1) How could a person go out of town for the weekend and “FORGET HIS WORK COMPANION THAT HE LEFT IN THE CAR……….?? THAT COP SHOULD FRY !!!!!!
2) How could these other officers forget and leave their “canine companions IN A STINKING HOT ASS CAR FOR THEIR BRAINS TO SIT AND FRY?”
***I THOUGHT THESE OFFICERS WORKED SO CLOSELY WITH THESE ANIMALS THAT THEY SLEPT IN THE HOUSE AT NIGHT & WERE TREATED LIKE A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY.
eldon presnell
Sep 17, 2013 at 8:34 pm
I totally agree with #1, There is ZERO excuse, the stupid PIG tried to cover it up but luckily PETA got involved. His dumbass tried to say that the dog must have let itself back inside the car while he was out of town. How dumb do you have to be to try that story out??? These backwoods rednecks don’t deserve a job, much less a job that allows them to carry around one of the best animals on earth. I’d like to know who the asshole had coming over to feed the dog while he was on vacation. Obviously, no one, since the dog wasn’t discovered for 3 days. This pisses me off the more i think about it. That cop should spend some time in the pokey for sure.
Marshall
Sep 21, 2013 at 11:39 am
Wweeeehooo ya luckily leta put there shit sticks right in every ones business for attention. What these police officers did was wrong they should have been much more responsible. Jail time is a must. However where do you get off saying we should kill them and calling them all pigs. Your just like everybody else. Your hear one side of a story and get all keyboard happy. Its kinda sad, get off your ass stop blogging and make a difference. Don’t try to come back at me with some witty remarks because you can be sure it will not be read. I volunteer at an animal shelter in twenty minutes no time for this.
Marshall
Sep 21, 2013 at 11:41 am
I may have replied to the wrong person I’m not tech savvy ill just stay off the Internet from now on
bradley
Jul 18, 2013 at 6:48 am
i`m sure these officers did`t intentionally leave these dogs. i`m just wondering why?
DogLovr
Jul 19, 2013 at 9:21 am
Three days in the car=REDRUM
DogLovr
Jul 19, 2013 at 9:52 am
Hopefully, this tragedy will spurn on new rules regarding K9 off-duty rules of handling, as well as maybe better back seat accommodations for the K9’s, such as solar fans w/battery backups, cool vests, or, even better, a down-window policy, in the event of emergency escape necessity, or to simply relieve themselves?
A well trained dog will stay put by themselves.
Mine are both spoiled (not professionally trained), and even they will stay put, except to pee.
Maybe Cesar should be involved in the K9 training process?
Ellen
Aug 2, 2013 at 11:35 am
My thoughts exactly. HOW the hell is it even possible to forget your partner?
Sarah
Sep 24, 2013 at 4:52 am
I absolutely agree with you.