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

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A Prince George's County police officer faces additional animal abuse charges after a second K9 assigned to him was mistreated, officials say.

Corporal David Acosta, who was assigned to the canine section, was first charged in the mistreatment of 2-year-old Daisy, a bloodhound, who works for the police department and was in Acosta's care. He now has been charged with the mistreatment of a 7-year-old Belgian malinois named Spartacus, the police department said, who also was in Acosta's care.

On July 14, the department suspended Acosta for an unrelated incident. As part of that suspension process, two canine section handlers were sent to retrieve Daisy and Spartacus. After the dogs were picked up, the handlers saw injuries related to an e-collar on Daisy’s neck. She was taken to a veterinarian for treatment and other medical conditions were noted that required care, police said.

The PGPD Internal Affairs Division began an investigation that resulted in the charges against Acosta, who joined the department in 2006. He is assigned to the special operations division.

One of the three charges against Acosta is a felony, and he will be suspended without pay, officials said

Daisy and Spartacus have been removed from Acosta’s care and permanently reassigned to two veteran handlers within the section, the police department said.

“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," said Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz. "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,” the chief said.

In addition, Special Operation Division Commanders developed and immediately implemented new policies to ensure the well-being of all canines.

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