SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — A sergeant with the Salem County Sheriff’s Office is facing charges in connection with two police K-9s that died after being in a hot car for seven hours.
According to court documents, Salem County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Cody Henderson turned off his vehicle and left the dogs inside for seven hours without working air conditioning, and a heat alarm was either manually turned off or inoperable while he was inside the courthouse all day.
Rip, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, and Boomer, a 6-year-old springer spaniel, were unresponsive when Henderson returned to his vehicle. Investigators determined heat stroke was the cause of death for both dogs.
This happened on May 29; charges were filed against Henderson on Tuesday.
Henderson was suspended pending the outcome of the criminal investigation. His first court appearance is scheduled for July 30.
He is charged with third-degree animal cruelty resulting in death and related offenses. The third-degree crimes come with a maximum penalty of five years in prison, if convicted.
Salem County Sheriff’s Office sergeant charged with third-degree animal cruelty
Salem County Sheriff’s Office sergeant charged with third-degree animal cruelty
