No Sensors in SUV Where Two Texas Police Dogs Died

A South Texas sheriff’s department has heat sensors to protect police dogs but the devices were not installed in an SUV where two animals died.

Bexar (bayr) County Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz says police dogs will not be used during the day until the equipment is installed. The San Antonio police dog unit will assist the sheriff’s department as needed.

Ortiz said Monday that maintenance workers did not know how to install the sensors, which alert officers when the dog-carrying units get too hot. The vehicle windows are automatically lowered.

Two dogs were discovered dead July 25 in a county-owned SUV at the handler’s home. Ortiz says the deputy apparently forgot the dogs after he noticed his horse was caught in some barbed wire.

Dog handlers will also get additional training.