A beloved Missouri police dog officer has reportedly died after being left in a hot car overnight after a shift in Savannah.
The Savannah Police Department confirmed to Fox News Digital that police dog Horus died after finishing his night shift on Thursday.
“Thursday, June 20th, the Savannah Police Department and our entire community suffered a tremendous loss,” Police Chief David Vincent said in a statement.
According to FOX 4, K-9 Holce served with the Savannah Police Department for more than three years.
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Police officers in the small town of Andrew County, Missouri, are mourning the loss of their fellow police dog, Holus. (FOX 4/Savannah Missouri Police Department)
“Horus’ death remains under investigation,” Savannah Police Chief David Vincent said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “This is an open investigation, so no further information will be released until the investigation is completed. The entire police department appreciates your thoughts and prayers as we grieve the loss of our partner, Horus.”
Andrew County Prosecutor Monica J. Morey told Fox News Digital that her office is currently investigating the case.
“The Andrew County Prosecutor’s Office is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of K-9 Holus. We are grateful for the service Holus provided to our community. I have requested a special investigation from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and we will await the results of this investigation before determining any necessary actions,” Morley said.
The name of the officer responsible for K-9 Holus’ death has not been released due to the ongoing investigation.
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The Savannah Police Chief confirmed the death of the dog officer, but the investigation into the death is ongoing. (Savannah, Missouri Police Department)
It is unclear what the outcome will be for K-9 Horus’ handlers, or whether his death was intentional or accidental.
FOX 4 reported that the high temperature on Thursday was 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the low was 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, research shows Temperature inside the car Even if it’s 70 degrees outside, temperatures can exceed 100 degrees within 30 minutes.
In May, Republican State Senator Tony Luetkemeyer’s House of Representatives passed House of Representatives’ Bill 754, also known as “MAX’s Law,” which would increase penalties for law enforcement officers who harm or kill animals.
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Senator Tony Luetkemeyer is listening to Officer Lucas Winder of the St. Joseph Police Department testify in support of Max’s Law in 2023. Officer Winder was Max’s police dog trainer when Max was killed in the line of duty. (Senate.mo.gov)
“I am pleased to see this priority bill finally become law,” Luetkemeyer said as the bill passed. “This bill will protect our hard-working police dogs and the public they protect.”
Luetkemeyer said he expects the MAX Act will go into effect within the next few months if signed by Governor Parson.
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“These brave animals put their lives on the line every day to protect the public and their human partners,” Luetkemeyer said in a previous statement. “The law should protect them.”
It is unclear whether this law applies to the death of K-9 Holus.
