Explanation
“Aleks,” a police canine that has been in service with the Division of Police Canine Unit since 2009, needs to be taken out of service.
“Aleks” is nearly 10 years of age and has declined in his abilities to continue as a police service dog due to age and health issues necessitating his retirement from police service. It is in the best interest of “Aleks” and the Division to take him out of service and retire him. Retiring “Aleks” would keep the Division from paying the additional cost for food and medical expenses with no guarantee that he would be able to perform his sevivces.
It is recommended that “Aleks” be retired and to permit his current handler, Officer Timothy Shepard, to assume custody and care of “Aleks” and purchase him from the Division of Police for the sum of $1.00.(ORC 9.62, (C)). Officer Shepard has agreed to accept “Aleks”.
Additionally, the Division of Police Legal Bureau has developed a general release document that relinquishes the City of Columbus from any liability as it relates to the post retirement care and control of “Aleks”, and assigns that liability to Officer Timothy Shepard.
FISCAL IMPACT:
At this time there are plans to replace this canine
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance and Management Director to sell a police canine with the registered name of “Aleks” to Officer Timothy Shepard, for the sum of $1.00, which has no further value to the Division of Police; and to waive the provisions of City Code Chapter 329 Sale of City-owned personal property.
Body
WHEREAS, “Aleks” has been a Canine Unit canine with the Division of Police since 2009; and
WHEREAS, it is recommended “Aleks” be retired due to his inability to continue as a police service dog due to age and health issues; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to waive the provisions of City Code Chapter 329 Sale of City-owned personal property and allow this canine to be purchased by his current handler, Officer Timothy Shepard, for the sum of $1.00; now, therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Finance and Management Director is hereby authorized and directed to sell the police canine with the registered name of “Aleks” to Officer Timothy Shepard for the sum of $1.00.
SECTION 2. That the Council of the City of Columbus finds it is in the best interest of the City that City Code Chapter 329 - Sale of City-owned personal property, be and is hereby waived to permit the sale of this specific canine to Officer Timothy Shepard.
SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.