Ayke, a German shepherd, was hoped to help revive the Santa Fe Police Department’s K-9 program, but after four years on the force, he has become a liability. He has bitten more people than any other dog in the department’s K-9 unit, leading to an internal affairs investigation into an attack on an officer. The city is also facing a lawsuit from an officer who needed plastic surgery after being attacked by Ayke during a training exercise in 2022. Despite the controversy surrounding Ayke, the Santa Fe police force, like other law enforcement agencies, believes K-9 units are useful in detecting drugs, explosives, and apprehending suspects.
Several states have considered legislative proposals to impose tougher penalties for harming or killing police dogs, citing the high cost of training and the bond between the dogs and their handlers. However, injuries caused by police dogs have been a problem in various states, including Ohio and Utah. The Marshall Project reported that bites by K-9 units are documented in nearly every state, and excessive force lawsuits over dog bites are challenging to win due to officer immunity and limited coverage under federal civil rights laws. Despite these challenges, the Santa Fe Police Department stands by the value of using K-9 units, claiming there are no downsides when properly utilized.
Deputy Police Chief Ben Valdez defended Ayke, stating that the department is confident the dog does not pose a danger to the public. The department purchased each K-9 dog for $4,400 and spent $2,200 on their initial certification course. Additionally, the department allocates about $4,800 annually for dog food and $2,000 for veterinarian care. K-9 units are required to complete at least 320 hours of training per year, and handlers must undergo physical and psychological evaluations. The police dogs are certified by the National Police Canine Association based in Arizona. Despite the cost and training requirements, the police department believes the benefits of using K-9 units outweigh any potential drawbacks.
Overall, the use of K-9 units by law enforcement agencies like the Santa Fe Police Department has sparked controversy due to incidents of dogs biting officers and bystanders. While supporters argue for harsher penalties for harming police dogs and emphasize the value of these animals in police work, injuries caused by K-9 units remain a concern. The Santa Fe Police Department continues to use K-9 units, including Ayke, despite the ongoing internal affairs investigation into his behavior. The department stands by its decision to utilize K-9 units, citing their effectiveness in detecting drugs, explosives, and apprehending suspects when properly trained and utilized.
