In June, a Missouri police officer, Lt. Daniel Zeigler, was charged with animal abuse after allegedly leaving his K-9 officer, Horus, inside a hot car overnight, leading to the dog’s death. Zeigler and Horus had completed their overnight shift just before 5 a.m., and the incident occurred later that same day. Zeigler contacted the Savannah Police Chief to inform him that Horus had died and an investigation later determined that the K-9 officer had died of heat exposure after being left in the patrol vehicle by Zeigler. Temperatures that day reached a maximum of 90 degrees, with the low being 70 degrees outside.
The American Veterinary Medical Association states that temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to over 100 degrees in a half-hour, even if it’s only 70 degrees outside. Witnesses described seeing the deceased K-9 officer in the yard near the police vehicle that evening and witnessing Zeigler’s reaction to the tragic event. A test was conducted on Zeigler’s vehicle following his alleged confession, demonstrating that the AceK9 system inside the police vehicle was in working order. It was noted that the system would have had to be manually turned off or deactivated on the day of Horus’s death, removing a safeguard that could have prevented the tragedy.
A farewell service was held to honor K-9 Officer Horus, who had served the community for over three years. The police department also announced on social media that an anonymous donor had offered to purchase a headstone for Horus, thanking the donor and Vanvickle Monuments for the gesture. Additionally, Governor Mike Parson signed a bill called Max’s Law that increases penalties for injuring and killing animals in law enforcement situations. The law was praised by Republican state Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer for providing protection to these heroic animals that work alongside law enforcement officers to protect the public.
Despite the charges and the tragic loss of K-9 Officer Horus, Lt. Daniel Zeigler is still listed on the staff roster of the Savannah Police Department. Fox News Digital reached out to the department for comment, but has not yet received a response. The incident sparked outrage and calls for justice for Horus, who lost his life due to negligence on the part of his handler. The death of a police K-9 is a devastating loss for the department and the community, as these animals play a vital role in law enforcement operations.
The case of Horus’s death serves as a reminder of the importance of proper care and treatment of police K-9 officers. These animals are trained to work alongside their human partners in various dangerous situations, and it is the responsibility of their handlers to ensure their safety and well-being. The tragic incident also highlights the need for laws like Max’s Law, which aim to protect animals in law enforcement and hold those responsible for their care and treatment accountable for their actions. It is crucial for law enforcement agencies to prioritize the well-being of their K-9 officers and provide them with the necessary training and resources to carry out their duties safely and effectively.
