Orange County K9 officer, Hunter, being denied retirement, despite worsening heart condition

October 22, 11:35 AMTacoma Dogs ExaminerPenny Eims

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There is a interesting, complicated and rather heart-breaking story out of Orange County, NY that is raging over a 7 yr old K-9 officer by the name of Hunter.  Hunter's current handler, Ed Josefovitz, is leaving the department and has requested that Hunter be retired in light of his age (most K9 officers retire between 8-9 yrs of age) and due to a diagnosed progressive heart condition. In April, 2009, a veterinarian diagnosed Hunter's heart condition and he was approved for day-to-day service, which typically included hanging out in court, or other sedentary duties. Hunter rarely (as of late) saw any action that would require him to exert himself.

Proponents of the sheriff's office argue that Hunter is owned by the department, rather than the officer and that he must continue to work until he has reached full retirement age, despite his heart condition. For Capt. Barry's personal stance on the issue, please visit this link.

Advocates for Hunter insist that going through the rigorous 8 months of retraining at the academy, in addition to the emotional toll of being removed from his current family and placed with a new handler, will only aggravate his worsening heart condition. Concern for his welfare is tremendous and there are many who believe that the dog could be killed by the stress that will be placed upon him in the coming months.

Hunter's current handler, Josefovitz,  has offered to pay the department $6,900 to cover the cost of a new K-9 officer, but the sheriff's office has refused. Apparently, many believe that the department is denying Hunter's retirement out of malice and that the welfare of the dog is being completely over-looked. Some type of ulterior motive does seem to be at play since a prior, healthy K-9 was allowed to retire at only 3 yrs of age when his handler was fired from the department.

Supporters of K-9 Officer Hunter are asked to join the Facebook group Stop NY OC Sheriff's Office from Killing Hunter. Additionally, supporters are being encouraged to email the NY OC Sheriff's office at this link or send an email to the mayor at this link. The family is hoping to not only spread the word of Hunter's plight (if you are concerned, please forward this to friends and family and post on your social networking sites), but also, to get the word to the sheriff's office and the mayor, that there is support for Hunter. There is amazing power in numbers and obviously, the stretch and power of the internet is incredible.

On that note, a huge thank you to my readers! Your posting and cross-posting of the Dalmation story earlier this week has landed the three dogs into a rescue where they will be placed in a loving home! Taking the time to forward the article on to your friends and family worked and the dogs are now going to have a bright future.  You, again, have the power to make a difference in this story. Please share this article and encourage others to do the same, and perhaps K-9 Hunter will get the retirement that he needs and deserves.

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