Explanation
BACKGROUND: "Bodhi” a therapy dog that has been in service with the Division of Police’s Therapy Dog Unit for a year and nine months needs to be taken out of service.
“Bodhi” is a 2-year-old therapy dog and his handler is retiring from the Division of Police after thirty-three years of service. The Therapy Dog Unit SOP states “The relationship between the handler and dog is unique and this policy protects that relationship. If the handler chooses to leave the Therapy Dog Unit after the required contractual commitment, he/she may choose to take over ownership of the assigned therapy dog.” To disrupt this relationship would cause significant emotional distress to the dog and disrupt the only home and support system he has ever known.
It is recommended that “Bodhi” be retired and to permit his handler, Officer Michael Secrest to assume custody and care of “Bodhi” and purchase him from the Division of Police for the sum of $1.00.(ORC 9.62, (C)). Officer Michael Secrest has agreed to accept “Bodhi”.
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 “Bodhi” and assigns that liability to Officer Michael Secrest.
FISCAL IMPACT:
At this time there is no fiscal impact.
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance and Management Director to sell to Officer Michael Secrest, for the sum of $1.00, a police therapy dog with the registered name of “Bodhi” which has no further value to the Division of Police and to waive the provisions of City Code Chapter 329 relating to the sale of City-owned personal property. ($1.00)
Body
WHEREAS, “Bodhi” has been a Therapy Dog Unit therapy dog with the Division of Police for a year and nine months; and
WHEREAS, it is recommended that “Bodhi” be retired due to his handler’s retirement; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to waive City Code...
Click here for full text