December 6, 2024 |
Photo – Bigfoot 99 file photo
The Saratoga Police Department has a new drug sniffing dog.
During the December 3rd Saratoga Town Council meeting, Acting Police Chief Lieutenant John Moore informed the governing body that Officer Casey Lehr and his two-year-old Belgian Malinois, Argus, have completed their K9 officer training. Lieutenant Moore asked the council to approve a policy update, allowing the police department to use of the K9 officer.
The Saratoga Police Department has been without a drug sniffing dog since K9 Officer Glen Casner died in August of last year.
At Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, Lieutenant Moore said the policy has been recommended for approval by Town Attorney Kylie Waldrip. The acting police chief explained that the document lays out when the dog, which is only certified in drug detection, will be utilized.
The council voted to adopt the police department’s K9 policy.
Next, Lieutenant Moore asked the council to approve a contract with Officer Lehr and K9 Argus. The acting police chief explained that Argus belongs to Officer Lehr, and the police department is leasing the dog. In exchange, Officer Lehr will receive additional compensation for the care of the animal.
Because the dog belongs to Officer Lehr, Lieutenant Moore said he will decide when and where Argus is deployed. Additionally, the contract states that the Saratoga Police Department will supply Officer Lehr and K9 Argus with any needed equipment.
Lieutenant Moore also said the police department will pay for vet bills and will purchase one bag of dog food a month. The money will come out of the police department’s payroll budget.
The Saratoga town council voted to sign the contract with Officer Lehr and K9 Argus, authorizing the use of the dog for drug detection.
