The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Thornton Police Department are investigating an unfortunate, tragic incident involving a DCSO K-9 that fatally injured another dog in a park on Sunday, December 21.
The incident is being investigated by the Thornton Police Department and we cannot comment on their investigation. Our Professional Standards Unit is conducting a separate internal investigation as well.
“Our hearts go out to the owners of the dog that was killed,” DCSO Sheriff Tony Spurlock said. “As dog-lovers ourselves, we know how hard it is when a family loses a pet. We assure them that we are conducting a thorough internal investigation into how this happened and we are fully cooperating with the Thornton Police Department.”
Sheriff Spurlock has been in contact with the owner of the dog. The owner and her family has respectfully requested that media does not contact them about this matter. They say they are supportive of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and how the investigation is being conducted by both DCSO and Thornton PD.
Per procedure, the K-9 has been quarantined and is not in service as a police dog pending the outcome of the investigations.
The DCSO will not be conducting any interviews on this matter as it is still being investigated by our Professional Standards Unit. Any questions about the incident should be directed to the Thornton Police Department.
Media contact: Lt. Glenn Peitzmeier, Public Information Officer, 303-814-7083