Measure On Ballot Could Help Texas Officers Keep Their K9 Partners In Retirement
TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) — Voters across Texas will decide whether to make it easier for law enforcement dogs to be adopted by their handlers next week.
The Collin County Sheriff's Office said when they were ready to retire two dogs several years ago, they discovered that the current law left them only two options — auction them off to the highest bidder or euthanize them.
"Neither of those are acceptable options," said Captain Nick Bristow.
So, the department began working to change the law. It lobbied legislators in Austin, who placed a constitutional amendment on Tuesday's ballot that would allow counties to donate retiring dogs to their handlers. It's an option currently available to Texas cities, advocates say, but not to counties — which operate under different purchasing laws.
Deputy Reid Golson is one of two K9 handlers working for the department, and hopes to one day adopt his partner, Olex.
"He'll be able to relax, play with his ball as much as he wants, not have any stress," Golson said.
When they're not working, Olex is at home with Golson, his wife and their two daughters. He's considered a member of the family, he said.
"I actually think I spend more time with Olex than I do with my family," Golson continued.
The department is urging voters to support the proposition. And with no known opposition, they're optimistic it will pass.
"Who can really be against this? It's giving a dog back to the person who's cared for it for many years," Bristow said.
The proposed Constitutional amendment would also apply to horses and any other animals working in law enforcement.