Recently, a Missouri K-9 officer tragically died after reportedly being left in a hot car overnight after finishing his shift. According to reports, the Savannah Police Department confirmed the death of the K-9, named Horus.
Police Chief David Vincent released a statement about the death of the beloved K-9 officer. “On Thursday, June 20, the Savannah Police Department and the entire community suffered a tremendous loss,” Vincent said.
Vicent further explained to Fox News Digital that the death is currently under investigation, and no additional information would be revealed until authorities reach a conclusion. The name of the officer who allegedly left the dog in the car has not been revealed, and it is not yet known whether the actions were an accident or intentional.
“Horus’s death is currently being investigated,” the police chief said. “Due to this being an open investigation, there will be no further information released until the investigation is completed. The entire department would appreciate your thoughts and prayers, as we deal with the loss of our partner, Horus.”
Moreover, Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney Monica J. Morrey expressed the profound sadness surrounding the loss at the Savannah Police Department, while admonishing Horus for his commitment to serving his community. Morrey noted that she has requested a special investigation into the matter from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
“The Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is deeply saddened to learn of K-9 Horus’ passing. We are grateful to him for his service to our community. I have requested a special investigation through the Missouri State Highway Patrol. I will await the results of this investigation prior to making any determination of necessary action,” Morrey stated.
Horus had served at the Savannah Missouri Police Department for over three years. In early 2021, the department posted a Facebook message welcoming the K-9, who was two years old at the time, onto the team.
“Please join us in welcoming the newest member of the Savannah Police Department. Thanks to your donations and support we are pleased to welcome K-9 Officer Horus to the team. Horus is almost 2 years old and is a full breed German Sheppard. Sergeant Zeigler and K-9 Horus will be training together for 8 weeks. We look forward to having Sergeant Zeigler and K-9 Officer Horus on the streets in May,” the post read
Each year, many dogs fall victim to heat strokes, particularly when left in hot cars during the hotter months of the year. The Peconic Bay Animal Hospital noted that dogs do not have the same mechanisms as humans to combat the effects of heat.
“But dogs don’t sweat the way we do, and their ability to cool off is much more limited. Dogs cool themselves primarily through the process of panting and breathing. When dogs pant, the air passing over the saliva in their mouths helps them cool. In addition, the lining of a dog’s lungs serves as an evaporative surface, much like our skin when we sweat. Blood vessels in the face, ears, and feet can also expand, helping to dispel heat from the body,” the hospital said.
A dog’s body temperature typically sits between 100.2 and 102.8 degrees Fahrenheit. When these cooling mechanisms become overwhelmed by excessive heat, the canine’s body temp can quickly rise to dangerous levels, inducing adverse reactions.
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