OH Agency Changes Mind, Allows Transferring Handler to Keep K-9 Partner

The Bedford Heights, OH, Police Department has announced that K-9 Bosco went home on Aug. 3 with his now former handler, Ofc. Ryan Kaetzel, despite the department’s decision to place him with the city’s new K-9 officer a week prior.

News 5 Cleveland reports public outcry may have led to the reversal of the department’s decision.

Kaetzel left Bedford Heights for a new job at the Strongsville Police Department, but he wanted to keep K-9 Bosco, WOIO reports.

Bedford Heights Police Chief Michael Marotta ordered him to return the dog, and Kaetzel dropped off Bosco early morning on July 25 .

“They are forcing me to turn in my canine today at 6:30 a.m. There is major concerns that a 7-year-old dog, who’s already starting to slow down showing signs of his hip dysplasia, can be retrained with a new handler and a six week school with all 1- and 2-year-old dogs,” Kaetzel previously told 19 News.

An online fundraiser has racked up thousands in donations, and a police dog breeder has offered to give Bedford Heights police a trained K-9.