NEBRASKA CITY – A recent incident where a police dog in Savannah, Missouri, died from heat exhaustion after being left in a vehicle has brought attention to K9 safety measures. Nebraska City Police Sgt. Chris Richardson is advocating for better protection for police dogs.
Sgt. Richardson emphasizes the importance of systems that can alert handlers, start exhaust fans, and even open vehicle doors when temperatures rise. He believes the death of a police dog due to heat is completely avoidable.
Richardson stated, “If a police dog dies from heat, it’s a failure on the handler’s part. There are enough safety measures available that losing a dog to heat is inexcusable.”
To keep his own K9 partner, Alex, safe, Sgt. Richardson takes precautions well before their shift starts. He explained that he starts his vehicle early because the interior can reach extreme temperatures, up to 160 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature is monitored by a thermostat linked to a digital computer in the vehicle.
Richardson’s car is equipped with a temperature device synced to his mobile phone, allowing him to remotely open a door if the temperature becomes dangerous. Additionally, the car’s computer can automatically roll down the rear windows and activate a powerful exhaust fan if the temperature gets too high.
Unfortunately, not all agencies have such advanced safety systems. Richardson urges community leaders to invest in these protections for K9 officers, which can cost between $12,000 and $25,000 to acquire and even more to train.
He stressed the importance of these investments, saying, “This is a major investment for any community. My K9 partner is my responsibility, and I need to ensure his safety at all times.”
Richardson also pointed out the dangers of leaving any person or pet in a car without the air conditioning running, as temperatures can rise quickly to fatal levels.