San Diego Police Department cuts K-9 force

What a blow to the San Diego PD.

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Casualties of the San Diego’s budget crisis aren’t limited to the ranks of municipal employees. The San Diego Police Department is letting 12 highly trained police dogs go because of budget cuts.

“They have been an outstanding tool, and it’s difficult for us to loose them,” said Assistant Chief Robert Kanaski. The department will save about a $500,000 on special K-9 patrol cars, vet bills, food and extra pay for dog handlers, Kanaski said.

“Really what it comes down to is with the budget we have, we need to keep officers on the street and make sure we have enough to respond to calls,” he said.

Older dogs will be forced to retire early. Most will continue living with their handler. Some of the younger dogs will be out on the market looking for a new job with another police department.

The police department will keep 26 K-9’s on the streets.

“They are that extra tool that helps us take care of our radio calls, especially with violent suspects,” Kanaski said.

By Jennifer Musa
Read more: http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2010-01-05/politics-city-county-government/san-diego-police-department-cuts-k-9-force#ixzz0bstgt6kH