A K9 was retired after it attacked another dog, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office says
A K9 with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has been retired after attacking a neighbor’s dog in July, according to Sheriff’s Office documents.
The dog’s handler, Sgt. Dan Mooney, also faces one year of probation. Mooney also had to pay 10% of a $5,112.20 veterinarian bill sent to the injured dog’s owner, according to a Sheriff’s Office command inquiry completed Sept. 9 and obtained through a Freedom of Information request.
The remainder of the bill was paid by the Sheriff’s Office.
Mooney was responsible for K9 Enzo, a 5-year old Malinois, a breed similar to a German Shepherd.
On the morning of July 18, Mooney was taking Enzo for a walk before work when his neighbor and his dog, Benji, a small Yorkshire-Terrier mix, passed the deputy’s house in Burton.
When Enzo bolted toward Benji, the 6-foot leather leash slipped from Mooney’s hand, the inquiry said.
Mooney chased the K9 and was able to “release Benji from Enzo’s bite,” according to the inquiry.
“Benji did not want to walk home and appeared traumatized from the incident,” according to a report written by Mooney.
The neighbor initially took his dog to a Port Royal veterinarian. The animal was later transferred to an animal hospital in Charleston.
Benji was hospitalized for at least three days before being released, according to medical records.
The Sheriff’s Office then conducted a command inquiry. Chief Deputy Michael Hatfield ordered Mooney paid the portion of the hospital bill.
Hatfield also retired K9 Enzo from duty.
K9 Enzo was adopted by his former trainer in Virginia, said Sheriff’s Office Maj. Bob Bromage.
This story was originally published September 25, 2020 at 4:52 PM.
