The CNMI Department of Corrections was in the early stages of establishing its own K-9 unit amid the battle against drugs, according to a KUAM News report on 19 September 2024. Photo: Screengrab / Facebook / KUAM News
Two K-9 dogs on the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands (CMNI) Department of Public Safety (DPS) on Saipan died from from heat exhaustion after the air-conditioning unit inside the car they were left in by their handlers failed.
DPS said while the matter is still under investigation, it assured there will be no cover-up if their handlers are found at fault.
"There is an active investigation being conducted in reference to the death of the two K-9s," DPS assistant chief of police and acting public information officer Simon Manacop said.
"If an officer is found to have violated any procedures that caused the death, they would face disciplinary actions.
"Now, procedures could be administrative, but the investigation could also take into account criminal violations. If there are criminal statutes that were violated, officers may also face criminal actions," he added.
Earlier this month, KUAM News reported that CNMI's Department of Corrections was in the early stages of establishing its own K-9 unit amid the battle against drugs.
DPS held a small private burial ceremony last Friday for two K-9 dogs, who Manacop confirmed were left in a heated car for more than 30 minutes on 8 September.
"The dogs were inside a patrol car and the aircon malfunctioned and started blowing hot air."
He added that the K-9 handlers that day had originally left the dogs in the car with the A/C on as they went to secure drug evidence at DPS headquarters.
"They returned to the vehicle 30 minutes later and discovered the dogs passed out. One passed that same morning. Officers attempted to resuscitate but were unsuccessful.
The other one was rushed to a veterinarian but also passed in the evening, he said.
When asked if it was normal for DPS personnel to leave K-9 officers unattended in the car, Manacop stated, "It is standard procedure that the dogs be left in the vehicle with air-con on while they perform other duties, such as while they were securing evidence," he added.