Report Prepared by: Tonya Mora, Management Analyst, Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval and Authorization for the City Manager to Execute Agreements Regarding Police Canines; Sam, Stas, and Tank; and their Respective Handlers to Transfer Liability and Ownership and Accept these Retired Canines as Pets
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements regarding Police Canines; Sam, Stas, and Tank; and their Respective Handlers to Transfer Liability and Ownership and accept these retired Police Canines as pets.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Declaring police canines Sam, Stas and Tank as police service animals that have fulfilled their law enforcement purpose and allowing their handlers to purchase at a cost of $1.00 (one dollar); and,
B. Approving transfer of ownership and liability for retired police canines to Angela Henke (K9 Sam), Tevon Prevostini (K9 Stas) and William McComb (K9 Tank); and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents; and,
D. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Section 3.04.370 of Merced City Charter
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2023-2024 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
For the last several years, the Merced Police Department K9 Unit has consisted of four canines trained in the areas of police protection, apprehension, and detection (bomb, narcotics, and firearms.) Three of these police canines are declining in health and are no longer able to safely and effectively perform the essential duties and functions of a police canine officer. These dogs were remanded to their handlers and removed from active service in January 2023....
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