Kern County (CA) Sheriff's K-9 Hannes died in August after a 20-minute search in 105-degree heat. (Photo: Kern County SO)
Kern County (CA) Sheriff Donny Youngblood has confirmed that K-9 deputy Hannes died of heat-related issues while on duty in August.
On Aug. 18., Hannes and his handler, Deputy Robert Fisher, responded to a shooting near Lamont, when the 3-year-old Belgian Malinois showed signs of distress.
Youngblood told KGET Hannes and his handler were searching in vineyards for the suspect for about 20 minutes in 105-degree heat, when the Belgian Malinois collapsed.
Hannes was rushed to a local emergency animal hospital where he later died, Youngblood said.