Animal Cruelty Charges Dropped Against Prince George's County K-9 Corporal

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A county K-9 officer facing animal cruelty charges for injuries found on two of his police-assigned dogs has had those charges dismissed.

Prince George's Police Department Corporal David Acosta, who is assigned to the canine section, was charged in the alleged mistreatment of 2-year-old Daisy, a bloodhound, who works for the police department. On July 14, the department suspended Acosta for an unrelated incident. As part of that suspension process, two canine section handlers were ordered to retrieve Daisy and Acosta’s second dog, a Belgian Malinois named Spartacus. After the dogs were picked up, the handlers observed injuries related to an e-collar on Daisy’s neck. She was taken to a veterinarian for treatment. It was discovered that Daisy also had other medical conditions that required medical care, the police department stated, Patch previously reported.

The PGPD Internal Affairs Division began an investigation that resulted in the charges against Acosta who joined the PGPD in 2006. He is currently assigned to the special operations division. One of the three charges against Acosta is a felony and he will be suspended without pay, PGPD reported. Days later, Acost was charged with the alleged mistreatment of a 7-year-old Belgian malinois named Spartacus, the police department said, who also was in Acosta's care.

Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy stated that the case couldn’t be made because of "multiple problems within the PGPD K-9 division specifically regarding the use of shock collars," reported WJLA.

Braveboy called the police department’s policies “dangerous and flawed.” Her statement can be read below:

“After a thorough review of this case, we determined that the Prince George’s County Police Department’s polices and protocols around the proper use of the e-collar are vague, inconsistent, dangerous and flawed. As such, we have concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt animal cruelty and related charges against David Acosta. Specifically, there is no indication of willful neglect with respect to the actions of Mr. Acosta.

"However, through our investigation – we have learned that this is not an isolated incident. Reports from other officers with the department indicated that their canines too, have suffered similar injuries and wounds because of the e-collar issued by the department. Simply put, the collar is problematic.

"It should also be noted that the department’s canine program is not currently certified, which is necessary to ensure it is following the proper rules and standards in handling canines. As written, the policy states that officers are required to use the collar on the dogs while they are working and should also use it to keep control of the animals when they are off duty. Such overuse creates scenarios of mistreatment and puts animals in danger.

"Whether it is a human or animal, our office is committed to seeking justice on behalf of the community. Animals are part of a vulnerable population and should be cared for as such. To that end, we have proactively led conversations with the department and recommend that they seek certification, improve their protocols and policies around the e-collar and the handling of canines to ensure their safety and well-being.”

7News Maryland Bureau Chief Brad Bell reached out to Acosta who declined to comment.

Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz previously described the situation as appalling.

“This situation involving Daisy is appalling. She is a part of the PGPD family. I expect that all of our handlers treat their canine partners with the utmost care and concern. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first incident of animal mistreatment in the 60-year history of the canine section. We have now put new policies into place with the intention of this being both the first and last. This investigation is in the early stages and will be thorough. I, too, want to know how this occurred. In the meantime, I’m glad to report that Daisy is doing well and back to work. Bloodhounds play a crucial role in our agency’s service to the community, primarily with assisting in searches for missing people,” Aziz said.

The Prince George's County Police provided the following statement to 7News:

"The internal administrative investigations into Corporal Acosta are open and active and therefore, we are limited in what we can provide publicly. In an effort to clarify facts concerning the Special Operation Division’s Canine Section, the Prince George’s County Police Department does not purchase nor provide remote collars for use with detection dogs, which includes our bloodhounds. The canine section’s written policy states remote collars are assigned to patrol canines which are our Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds.

"Earlier these year, the PGPD brought in multiple judges from outside agencies to certify our canines to the standards of the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA). This independent certification is done annually. Our Canine certification course is approved by Maryland Police Corrections and Training Commission. Also, the Canine Section’s head trainer is Maryland Police Corrections and Training Commission certified as a Train the Trainer.

"The Prince George’s County Police Department is deeply dedicated to the care of our canine partners. When the initial allegations against the Corporal surfaced, the Special Operations Division developed and immediately implemented new and also enhanced current policies to ensure the well-being of all canines."

Those include:

Weekly Visual Inspections:

• Each canine sergeant conducts a detailed visual inspection of every canine under their unit’s assignment on a weekly basis.
• The inspection covers grooming, coat condition, eyes, ears, nose, paw pads, teeth, weight and mobility.
• Findings must be documented

Bi-Monthly In-Depth Inspections:

• Will be conducted during Wednesday training sessions by the canine training staff.
• In addition to the elements covered in the weekly inspection, this session includes a more detailed assessment of training aides (such as remote collars, muzzles, harnesses, leashes) and the canine vehicle transportation area.
• Findings must be documented

Bi-Annual Kennel Inspections:

• Scheduled bi-annually, inspections are conducted for all canine residential kennels within the unit’s jurisdiction.
• Findings must be documented

Related:

K9's Injuries Lead To Animal Cruelty Charges Against PGPD Officer

Officer Faces Additional Charges After Second K9 In His Care Was Mistreated: PGPD