Geary County Sheriff Dan Jackson has explained his decision to have a Department K9 euthanized. He issued a statement in response to concerns that have been expressed via social media.
"At the Geary County Sheriff’s Office one of the things we take pride in is the trust we have built with the citizens of this community. In the interest of maintaining the trust of the community and sharing the full story involving the K9 Krew, I have decided to share the following.
On Tuesday of this week, K9 Handler Deputy Robison was preparing to respond to an officer reporting a vehicle was failing to stop. Deputy Robison opened the rear door of his patrol vehicle and then opened the kennel door so he could put a collar on Krew and respond to the developing situation. As Deputy Robison reached in to put the collar on Krew, Krew attacked him. After watching the video this attack was particulary brutal and unprovoked. The entirety of the attack lasted for one minute and thirty seconds. Deputy Robison handled the situation admirably, attempting to divert the dogs attention numerous times but Krew continued to attack, jumping and snapping at the Deputy’s face and arms which were raised over his head in attempt to avoid being bitten again. At one point, Krew was able to get behind Deputy Robison and bit the backside of the Deputy’s upper arm, pulling him down and tearing his bicep. Deputy Robison contined to try to gain control of Krew and was only able to do so after Krew bit and would not let go of Deputy Robison’s right hand. Deputy Robison was finally able to return Crew to his kennel being forced to open the door of the patrol vehicle with Krew still attached to his hand. Deputy Robison sustained a torn bicep, multiple puncture wounds covering all for extremities and required 17 stictches.
Later that evening Krew continued to display aggressive behavior towards those around him.
This was not a case of an over stimulated dog during training taking a light nip at his handler. That happens and anyone who has been a K9 officer knows that to be true. This was a unprovoked vicious attack.
Since 2018 this dog has attacked not only Deputy Robison, but two other K9 officers as well on 3 different occasions causing injuries requiring a total of 54 stitches and the reattachment of a toe. Krew now growls at anyone who comes around his kennel to include the family members, of which he has spent the last two and half plus years with.
After considering all of the options I came to the painful conclusion that Krew would need to be euthanized. This was not an easy decision but I could not in good conscious allow Krew to be given to another agency for an attempt at retraining. If he attacked another trainer and severely injured that trainer or a member of the public that responsibility would be mine. Not to mention the liability that would attach to Geary County and the Sheriff’s Office. That is a risk I am not willing to take."
Sheriff Jackson