Police Dog Handlers Sue NYC Over Ruff Policies On Overtime Pay

NEW YORK CITY — These NYPD dog handlers want their day over pay.

Eight police dog handlers have filed a federal lawsuit against New York City, contending they were stiffed overtime pay while caring for canine partners at home, court records show.

Sgt. John Pappas and seven other NYPD officers say proper training requires the police pooches get constant care that comes at a cost.

"'Care' means bathing, brushing, exercising, feeding, grooming, related cleaning of the dog’s kennel or transport vehicle, and similar activities performed by the Handlers at home on workdays as well as on days off or during vacation periods," the lawsuit states.

Work includes "teaching the dogs basic commands, obedience, walking, feeding, scent work training and exercising."

The city also leaves handlers holding the doggie bag when it comes to emergency veterinary care visits off-hours, the lawsuit contends.

The city has been unlawfully playing hide-the-ball with at least one-and-a-half hours of overtime for every day the dog handlers aren't at work, according to the lawsuit. The officers should also receive at least an hour of overtime for dog care spent on their on-duty shifts, the lawsuit argues.

Corrections department, MTA and other New York law enforcement agencies receive additional pay for extra time spent with the dogs, the lawsuit notes.

The city's law department didn't return a request for comment and David Aboulafia, the handlers' attorney, declined to comment.

This lawsuit is similar to a federal class action case Aboulafia filed on behalf of several dog handlers — including several 9/11 responders and former NYPD cops — who sued the security company MSA Security for unpaid overtime in 2017, according to court documents.

Records show the case ended with a settlement that saw dog handlers walking away with $14.5 million in 2019.

The new filing seeks damages for unpaid overtime and wages in an amount to be determined at trial.