Posted on 05/30/2007 11:36:05 PM PDT by Omega Man II
May 30, 2007 11:42 pm US/Eastern
Officer Accused Of Killing His Own Police Dog
(CBS4) MIAMI A Miami-Dade Police officer has been fired after the department claims he killed his K-9 partner.
Veteran Sgt. Allen Cockfield was fired and arrested after police say he killed his Belgian Malinois, Duke. Cockfield posted $6,000 bond after being charged with animal cruelty and killing a police dog. Investigators say that the 4-year-old dog collapsed last June during a practice exercise in which 10 other officers and their dogs were participating.
They allege Cockfield kicked the police canine numerous times causing the dog to expire. Sgt. Cockfield had been relieved of duty since the onset of this investigation.
Officials say no biting or attacking was involved.
Doug Hartman, the officer’s attorney, called the charges a travesty.
``I'm never seen a case like this. He is one of the best dog handlers in the department,'' Hartman told the Miami Herald.
Hartman said that his client is an animal lover and that the dog was uncontrollable, causing the suspect to take corrective action.
Oh yeah, he looks like an animal lover.
I’ve never heard of kicking as either a training or a control method.
I see an a-hole.
One small town PD near here spent $10,000 on a drug dog, and the “handler” left it in the car with the windows rolled up on a hot day. Dead dog.
“Hartman said that his client is an animal lover and that the dog was uncontrollable, causing the suspect to take corrective action.”
Don’t you just love defense attornies?
“I’ve never heard of kicking as either a training or a control method”
We shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that this is just a stupid dog... / shields up...
The charges stem from an incident in which a 4-year-old K-9 named “Duke” collapsed on June 7, 2006, during training. The German Shepherd was rushed to Knowles Animal Clinic, where he later died
A source told Local 10 that Duke had barked when he wasn’t supposed to during a training exercise at the Miami Dade Training Bureau. He was participating in training with the rest of the K-9 unit. The source said that after Duke barked, Cockfield “lost it” and kicked the dog several times.
Cockfield shook the dog, and when he realized the dog was unconscious, he rushed him to the clinic, according to the source. Cockfield had been a K-9 officer for 25 years and had no record of any problems, Local 10 reported.
The officer has been on administrative duty with pay since the investigation began
http://www.local10.com/news/13416353/detail.html
He reminds me of Mike Nifong, but sitting at the other table.
Trained at the Michael Vick School for Dog Handlers.
I can’t imagine treating a dog like that, but I have a special affinity for Belgian Malinois (often mistaken for German Shepherds because their appearance is so similar).
My Belgian Malinois flunked out of the U. S. Customs drug dog program. She is incredibly intelligent and loyal. She has been our family dog for 7 years now, and she responds to verbal cues beautifully. I am a former Customs Inspector, and used to work closely with the dog handlers. I couldn’t imagine one of them abusing their dog, ever.
I wonder what caused this guy to snap?
Makes me wonder how he treats suspects.
You make a valid point.
For his sake, it had better be brain damage. If not, brain damage should be provided.
P.S. I have been owned by a Jack Russell Terrier for 13 years, and can’t imagine anything that would make me hurt her.
I’m a handler and certified trainer. I have never heard of or watched any other trainer or handler kick a dog as part of any training or correction.
Cockfield kicked the police canine numerous times
I’m sure he treats suspects with plenty of love and compassion
Is’nt animal crulty a symptom of deeper issues?
Friggin Bully...I hope someone kicks his @$$ to death ..in jail.
I hope you’re kidding.
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