A Missouri police officer faces charges after allegedly leaving his K-9 officer inside a hot car overnight, leading to the dog's death. The incident has sparked outrage and prompted a reminder of the importance of protecting animals in law enforcement.
The Savannah Police Department in Missouri is mourning the loss of K-9 Officer Horus, who tragically died after being left inside a hot police car overnight. Lieutenant Daniel Zeigler, who was handling Horus at the time, has been charged with animal abuse.
According to court documents, Zeigler left Horus in the police vehicle on June 20 after completing their overnight shift. By 6 p.m. the same day, he contacted the police chief to inform him of the dog's death. An investigation revealed that Horus had died of heat exposure after being exposed to soaring temperatures inside the vehicle.
Tragedy Strikes Missouri: K-9 Officer Dies After Being Left in Hot Car
A witness reported seeing the deceased dog in the yard near the police vehicle that evening. They described Zeigler as distraught and in disbelief, claiming he thought he had brought Horus inside at the end of his shift.
A test conducted on Zeigler's vehicle demonstrated that the AceK9 system, designed to prevent tragedies like this, was in working order. However, it had to have been manually turned off or deactivated on the day in question.
Tragedy Strikes Missouri: K-9 Officer Dies After Being Left in Hot Car
A farewell service was held to honor K-9 Officer Horus, who had served the community for over three years. An anonymous donor also purchased a permanent headstone for the fallen canine.
In response to the incident, Missouri's Governor Mike Parson signed Max's Law, which increases penalties for injuring and killing animals in law enforcement. Republican state Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer emphasized that these heroic animals deserve protection due to the risks they take to safeguard the public.
Tragedy Strikes Missouri: K-9 Officer Dies After Being Left in Hot Car
Lieutenant Daniel Zeigler remains listed on the Savannah Police Department website's staff roster despite facing charges. Fox News Digital reached out to the department for comment but has yet to receive a response.
The death of K-9 Officer Horus has cast a shadow over the Savannah Police Department and served as a tragic reminder of the importance of protecting animals in law enforcement. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice, while also highlighting the need for safeguards to prevent such heartbreaking events.
Tragedy Strikes Missouri: K-9 Officer Dies After Being Left in Hot Car
