A man and dog drama about whether a retiring police officer should be permitted to keep his K-9 partner, is gripping the Ohio town of Marietta.
In recent days, local media has been filled with the tale of officer Matthew Hickey, who had been told he could not keep his dog
Mr Hickey, 57, had told officials in the city of Marietta that he was even prepared to buy his dog, five-year-old Ajax. Under Ohio law, officers can purchase their K-9 partners for $1 when the dog retires.
But because Mr Hickey was retiring, and not his dog, officials declined his request. He has now started a fundraising campaign to enable him to buy the the dog when the force sells if at auction.
The controversy has filled local newspaper and radio programmes, with people both urging officials to make an exception. Large number of people contributed money to allow Mr Hickey
As of Wednesday morning, Mr Hickey had raised more than $70,000 to buy Ajax on gofundme.com. Mr Hickey said any money left over after the auction will be donated to a K-9 charity that buys bulletproof vests for dogs.
Officials came up with what they thought was a compromise. They said that Mr Hickey would made an unpaid “auxiliary officer”, a role that will enable him keep his dog.
Marietta Law Director Paul Bertram III said on Monday that if Mr Hickey worked as an auxiliary officer, he would be able to purchase Ajax for $1 once the dog reached retirement age.
Yet Mr Hickey has said he does not want to be an auxiliary officer.
“I’ve had so many calls from other K-9 officers in Ohio who said they’re so worried about losing their dogs,” he said.
The MSAZ channel reported that state politicians are working to make an amendment to House Bill 60 to include a provision for police dogs and their handlers. The goal would be for the handler to acquire the animal for $1 upon leaving the force.
