Ungrateful Albuquerque Police Department sends K9 Rex to his death to a municipal shelter instead of finding him a good home. Community rallies to save retired police dog's life.

 

Retired K9 Spared From Likely Death After Community Rallies To Save Him

Let's hope Rex gets the retirement he deserves.

Hilary Hanson News editor, The Huffington Post

Posted: 09/24/2015 04:54 PM EDT | Edited: 09/25/2015 09:35 AM EDT

A retired police dog who was likely destined for euthanasia has been spared after animal lovers condemned the police department’s decision to send him to a municipal shelter.

Facebook/Operation Save K-9 Rex

The 9-year-old Belgian Malinois, Rex, had served with the Albuquerque Police Department since 2013, and spent several years in the military before that, the Albuquerque Journal reports. Rex was present during the shooting of homeless man James Boyd that led to criminal charges for two APD officers, and appears in video of the incident.

When Rex’s handler, Scott Weimersckirch, retired, the APD said Rex was too old and too bonded to Weimersckirch to be transferred to another handler. But the officer couldn't adopt Rex due to concerns that the dog would be a threat to his young child, APD spokeswoman Celina Espinoza told local news station KRQE.

A city shelter took Rex in, but the APD said Monday it was likely the dog would be euthanized, since his military and police background would make finding a suitable home difficult.

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