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.