K9 Handler Gives Away Dog To Animal Shelter

A Jackson (MS) police officer has been demoted after dropping his K-9 off at a local animal shelter.

Officer Carl Ellis was the handler for Ringo (above), a K9 who retired from the force in October. After his retirement, Ringo was surrendered to a local animal shelter, according to an emailed statement issued by JPD Tuesday night.

Ringo was “thought to be living with his handler” but, unbeknownst to JPD, was adopted from the shelter, said Sgt. Roderick Holmes. Once the department learned of Ringo’s surrender and later adoption, Ellis was “reassigned to patrol duty.”

JPD Chief James Davis could not be reached for comment.

“The Jackson Police Department respects and holds our canines with high regard just as we do any other officer within our department,” the statement read. “They are family, and we do not feel they deserve anything less than a loving home in retirement.”

To prevent any other retied K9s from being surrendered, Davis has “immediately implemented protocol which requires quarterly welfare checks for all canines, both active duty and retired.”

“Additionally, policy is currently being drafted that will address specific requirements related to retired canines and their welfare, so that they are provided with the best care possible.”

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