Dade County Sheriff deputy fired for leaving his Officer K9 in a hot car which resulted in her death

- Georgia, USA -

On July 13, 2025, while the heat index in Trenton was around 100 to 102 degrees, Officer K9 Georgia (pictured) with the Dade County Sheriff’s Office was left in her patrol car while her handler was inside the sheriff's office.

Officer K9 Georgia was later sadly found lifeless inside the vehicle’s kennel.

According to the press release by the sheriff's office, an investigation was immediately launched, and it emerged that while Officer K9 Georgia was in the vehicle, the heat alarm was not working. Additionally, the air conditioner compressor malfunctioned requiring total replacement of the compressor.

These two factors, coupled with Officer K9 Georgia “being left unattended for what we considered to be an unacceptable amount of time, contributed to her passing”, stated the release.

At the direction of Dade County Sheriff Ray Cross, Officer K9 Georgia’s handler is no longer an employee of the sheriff’s office. The case will be turned over to the Dade County District Attorney’s Office to determine if prosecution is warranted. Depending on the DA’s decision, the sheriff’s office will know what additional details can be released.

“Our hearts are aching at the loss of K-9 Georgia. Many of you know that she was donated to us by a local family, at no cost to the sheriff’s office. She was an amazing bloodhound who was sweet, goofy, and had all the potential to be the ‘best of the best’. She will be deeply missed by everyone at our office, and by anyone who had the pleasure to meet her”, said the sheriff’s office.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Dade County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

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