Group says Waukegan rebuffed attempts to house retired police dog
Leaders of a Lindenhurst group that rescues retired military and police dogs say they have received no response from Waukegan officials on the fate of police dog targeted to be destroyed after biting a civilian.
Dan Scheurer, founder and CEO of Sav-A-Vet, said he has heard from sources inside the Waukegan Police Department that Pablo - a law enforcement dog - was euthanized Wednesday afternoon.
However, he said, Mayor Robert Sabonjian and police officials have refused to confirm the animal's status.
"It is frustrating to not know what happened to the dog at this point," Scheurer said. "But, we are moving forward and continuing to fight for the dog's rights, even while we try and find out what happened to him."
Both Waukegan police spokesman Lt. Ed Fitzgerald and David Motley, spokesman for the city, said they could not discuss Pablo because of pending litigation. Numerous calls to Sabonjian were not returned Monday.
Pablo, a German shepherd who has worked with the police department for the past eight years, was taken off the job last month after allegedly biting a woman at the K-9 Olympics in Algonquin in August 2009.
According to a lawsuit filed in McHenry County Circuit Court on Feb. 6, Pablo was commanded to attack a man wearing a padded suit during the program, partially sponsored by TOPS Kennel's in Grayslake. However, the dog veered into the crowd and bit Karyn Pimental on the leg, the suit claims.
Pimental is suing the city of Waukegan and police officer Mallory Baker for at least $100,000 in damages, claiming their negligence is to blame for the dog attack that left her with severe bite wounds.
The suit states that, as part of the event, Baker intentionally agitated Pablo, then let him off a leash for the dog to attack the man in protective gear.
Lawyers for Pimental said the attack left puncture wounds on both sides of one of her thighs, and the injuries are compounded by post-treatment complications.
The case is scheduled to make its first court appearance June 8 before Judge Michael Caldwell.
Pablo has been housed at TOPS Kennels in Grayslake for the past month, Scheurer said. On Monday, no one from the kennel would discuss Pablo.
Scheurer said Sav-A-Vet was willing to lease a private residence, set up a kennel in the garage, give the dog outdoor access, and assign the building rent free to a disabled police officer to watch over the animal.
However, he said, Waukegan refused the offer.
"I'm frustrated. The dog was healthy and could have lived a good life, but they refuse to tell us anything about it," Scheurer said. "It should be public knowledge at this point. This is a police officer and he should be treated as such."