Missouri officer charged after K-9 dies in hot car
Officer charged for leaving K-9 in hot car overnight
A Missouri police officer faces charges after allegedly leaving his K-9 partner in a hot car overnight, resulting in the dog’s death.
On Friday, Lt. Daniel Zeigler of the Savannah Police was charged in Andrew County with animal abuse.
The incident occurred on June 20. Zeigler and his K-9 partner, Horus, finished their overnight shift shortly before 5 a.m. That evening, around 6 p.m., Zeigler informed Chief Dave Vincent that Horus had died.
Investigations revealed that Zeigler left Horus in the police vehicle after their shift, leading to the dog’s death from heat exposure. The temperature that day peaked at 90 degrees, with a low of 70 degrees.
The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that the temperature inside a vehicle can exceed 100 degrees within 30 minutes, even if it’s just 70 degrees outside.
A witness saw the deceased K-9 in the yard near the police car that evening. Zeigler was described as “flipping out” and yelling in disbelief, claiming he thought he had brought Horus inside.
A test on Zeigler’s vehicle showed it was parked in direct sunlight with the ignition off. When the internal temperature hit 90 degrees, the vehicle’s AceK9 system honked, rolled down the rear windows, and activated a fan. This test indicated the system was functional and would have had to be manually deactivated on June 20.
A farewell service for K-9 Officer Horus was held on Saturday. Horus had served the community for over three years. An anonymous donor offered to purchase a headstone for Horus, which the police department acknowledged on social media.
Gov. Mike Parson recently signed Max’s Law, increasing penalties for harming animals in law enforcement. Republican state Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer stated, “These heroic animals put their lives on the line every day to protect the public and their human partners. The law should protect them.”
Lt. Zeigler remains listed on the Savannah Police Department’s staff roster. The department has not yet responded to requests for comment.
What Other Media Are Saying
- FOX4 News Kansas City reports that K-9 Officer Horus, a German Shepherd serving in the Savannah, Missouri Police Department, died on Thursday, June 20, 2024, after being left in a hot car overnight.(read more)
- CrimeOnline reports that a Missouri police officer has been charged with animal abuse after leaving his K9 officer in a patrol car overnight, resulting in the dog’s death.(read more)
- KXAN News reports that K-9 Officer Horus, serving in the Savannah, Missouri Police Department, died after being left in a hot car overnight.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to the K-9 officer in Missouri?
The K-9 officer died after being left in a hot car overnight by his handler.
Who was charged in the death of the K-9 officer?
Savannah Police Lt. Daniel Zeigler was charged with animal abuse.
How hot did it get inside the vehicle where the K-9 was left?
Temperatures inside the vehicle could have risen to over 100 degrees.
What is Max’s Law?
Max’s Law increases penalties for injuring and killing law enforcement animals.
Is Lt. Zeigler still employed by the Savannah Police Department?
Yes, Lt. Zeigler is still listed on the staff roster.
