(TheIndependentStar.com) – In what can only be described as despicable behavior, a Maryland police canine officer faces serious legal repercussions due to allegations of animal cruelty towards the dog under his care.
The officer, identified as Corporal David Acosta of the Prince George’s County Police Department, has been formally charged with three counts of animal cruelty, including one felony charge.
These charges arise from reported mistreatment of a two-year-old bloodhound named Daisy, The Washington Examiner reports.
Corporal Acosta was initially suspended earlier in the month due to an unrelated matter.
During the period of his suspension, directives were issued for other canine handlers to take custody of Daisy, along with another dog, a Belgian Malinois named Spartacus, both previously under Acosta’s care.
Upon retrieving the animals, these handlers observed injuries on Daisy that were consistent with the misuse of an e-collar. The severity of the injuries necessitated immediate veterinary attention.
The attending veterinarian noted that besides the collar-induced wounds, Daisy was suffering from additional medical issues that required intervention.
This distressing discovery prompted the police department to initiate a thorough investigation, which culminated in the charges leveled against Acosta.
Expressing his dismay over the incident, Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz stated, “This situation involving Daisy is appalling. She is a part of the PGPD family. I expect that all of our handlers treat their canine partners with the utmost care and concern.”
Corporal Acosta, who joined the PGPD back in 2006 and is presently a member of the special operations division, faces suspension without remuneration following these allegations.
In response to this incident, the department has introduced stringent new measures to safeguard the welfare of its canine units.
These measures include mandatory weekly visual inspections, bimonthly comprehensive examinations, and twice-yearly kennel reviews.
Chief Aziz provided a reassuring update on Daisy’s condition, noting that she is “doing well and back to work.”
He also reflected on the historical significance of this incident, remarking, “To the best of our knowledge, this is the first incident of animal mistreatment in the 60-year history of the Canine Section.”
He further highlighted the vital role that bloodhounds like Daisy serve within the agency, primarily aiding in the search for missing individuals, thus underscoring the importance of ethical treatment and care for these dedicated animals.
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