An investigation has been launched after two Police Dogs died in the handlers own vehicle whilst he was visiting Headquarters last Tuesday afternoon, 30 June 2009.
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This blogsite was produced in answer to the numerous requests by other researchers, over the years, to supply further documents, photographs etc that had been used in my research. It also provides a little nostalgia for those individual Officers I trained with and whos' company I enjoyed during my career, retiring in 1996. I have not reproduced all the pages from my book as hopefully this site will encourage further sales of those copies still in the cellar at Scarthin Books.
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This is an absolute disgrace and this person is a professional dog handler. He should be prosecuted and sacked for gross professional misconduct.
ReplyDeleteThese dogs are trained at great expense to the tax payer. They would have defended their handler in any situation. How did he reward them - he let them roast to death in a car in a heat wave.
One can only imagine the terror and suffering of those poor dogs before they died.
German Shepherd Dog Rescue
BEWARE!! Being this pratts partner could cost you your life, it did those 2 beautiful and loyal dogs. RSPCA ARE INVESTIGATING???, what exactly, he cooked the poor beggers from the inside out,prosecution is the kindest thing that he should be given.Words fail how i really feel towards a man who is allowed to remail annoymous,murderes who are found guilty are named....why is he different?
ReplyDeleteDying in a hot vehicle is a particularly painful death. And totally avoidable. How did nobody realise? Doesnt install any trust in the police to care for our society does it?
ReplyDeleteThose poor dogs would have suffered a horrific death, they would have slowly boiled. The person who let this happen should never be allowed to keep animals again. This is the highest level of cruelty. They suffered in the hands of the police and the police get off scot-free. I hope he is not given more dogs!
ReplyDeleteA disgrace indeed
Those poor dogs would have had a horrific death.
ReplyDeleteThe person in charge of those dogs should be punnished and they should not be allowed to work with dogs again.
This is a disgrace, how was this allowed to happen
German Shepherd Dog Rescue
2 total loyal dogs, Duty bound, there to protect the public to take the bullet and bomb before the life of a human being. their own life taken by the
ReplyDeletethe officer paid to look after them. Sack him and send him down for 6 months Max sentence.
I agree
ReplyDeleteWhy has this officer not been suspended? Name him.
ReplyDeleteThis was not a tragic incident or an accident. It represents sheer negligence and gross professional misconduct. No excuses, he should be sacked.
It seems some handlers simply do regard these dogs as tools of the trade - disposable commodities. No decent handlers or dog lover would ever have left dogs in a car in the temperatures we have been experiencing this week - not even for 5 minutes.
The investigation will be a complete whitewash.
As far as the RSPCA are concerned, they will milk this for their own publicity - they only perform when the cameras are around! They won't help the 3 Middlesbrough GSD's chained out in this heat wave 24/7 all this week!!!!
German Shepherd Dog Rescue
As the 'blog author' I do not know the name of this Officer.
ReplyDeleteI do not, in any way, condone what has happened but I would not wish to comment further until the true facts are known and come from the proper investigative authority.
From the amount of publicity this incident has caused, I am sure there will not be any form of 'whitewash'
If joe bloggs on the street done this to one of their dogs, they would be hung drawn and quartered by the press, public and criminal justice system alike but because he's a serving police officer he will walk away unamed and scott free.
ReplyDeleteThose dogs would have suffered an unimaginable death and it's a pity we can't do the same to him!
Nicky
Honest to god Dave who ever you are...the true facts?!?!?!, the dogs died trapped in a car in tempreatures hot enough to cook a chicken, you should get a job with the RSPCA you talk the same flannel. Back bones are what we need in this country then we might actually get something done!
ReplyDeleteAllison Clarke
German Shepherd Rescue.
I agree with the condemnation of what has happened. The 'true facts' relate to 'why and how these dogs came to be left in these conditions?'. Only when we know, can we truly sit in judgement of the handler.
ReplyDeleteThe handler is alive and well isn't he? He wasn't suddenly taken ill and couldn't tell anyone about the dogs in the car was he?
ReplyDeleteThere simply is no excuse for what this person did. Kennels were just a few yards away from where the car was parked. He was clearly not a dog lover or an experienced handler.
Nobody anywhere should have left any dog in any car this week in the record temperatures we have been experiencing in the UK.
He subjected these poor dogs to the most appalling death and he should pay for that.
There is a national shortage of good working dogs in the UK. It will be even more difficult to source good dogs after this. There will be many who will no longer be willing to donate dogs to the forces and that includes German Shepherd Rescue
Why and How says Dave? Well lets see...WHY? Only an arrogant selfish pratt would do something like this and how well thats easy, he walked away from the vehicle and left them in it!Now the playground inquest is over,why is that idiot still in a job with full pay???
ReplyDeleteAllison Clarke
German Shepherd Rescue.
RIP little ones.
ReplyDeleteThe dog handler should be named and shamed, any person on the street would have been - and rightly so.
He subjected his dogs to an horrific death, I dread to think of the terror and torment of them watching and waiting for the person they trusted most in the world to come back to save them.
Now that he has been tried and found guilty by his peers. Let's form a posse and string him up.
ReplyDeleteJudge Jeffries
Petition: http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/29094.html
ReplyDeleteWe, the undersigned, call on Nottinghamshire Police Force to suspend the handler with immediate effect and take steps to prosecute him for the neglect, suffering and subsequent death of the two police dogs in his charge.
Please sign
As I've said before, the full facts have to be known and in the light of present politics, the Police need to be 'open and transprent'. However if there is to be any prosection these will not be in the public domain until after any Court appearance.
ReplyDeleteHowever I do welcome all of your comments on this site.
As it says at the bottom of this blog:"Conributions to this site will be most welcome and acknowledged" (sic).
ReplyDeleteHowever some of these comments are being made in the total absence of facts and even to a dedicated dog owner they are too much. This is an emotive situation - Britain after all is apparently a nation of animal lovers - and yet even in amongst the Kennel Club there are people committing acts of cruelty in order to meet the demands of their ill informed customers and because it is financially driven people turn a blind eye to it - Don't tell me otherwise I've seen plenty of proof. So, my advice for what it's worth is STOP, take a breath and think about how much you know about the handler you are all looking to 'hang out to dry'. To the Janine's and Jayne's and Steve's and Alison's (who may be lucky enough to live in a perfect world) who seem to know everything about this case, along with all the other urban jury members (Why wait to hear the facts surely they are not important??) - do you really think a handler would deliberately allow his 'partners' to die this way? Is that what you think - honestly? I wish you had an ounce of real knowledge about what happened - guilty until proven innocent - you want some backbone Alison? Try this: Why would a dedicated dog handler, from any disciplined organisation (even an ill-disciplined one for that matter) who had spent hours, days, weeks and years in all weathers, up to their arms and legs in blood, sweat and tears training their dog, whose life can often depend on the support of his K9 pal, whose teamwork has seen the really damaged societal members locked up and achieved so much in protecting his or her community actually set out to end their lives?
Deep down Alison and friends you know damned well that Government Dog Handlers adore their canine friends as much as you do, probably more, as their lives depend on each other out there on the real frontline, not sat quietly with time to pontificate behind the screen of a computer - I bet this handler is beyond heartbroken. Give him a break - oh and Alison keep up the good work - I know absolutely nothing about you or your job but I would never criticise you. It wouldn't be fair.
Anonymous...i wonder why?
ReplyDeleteIts 30 degrees,you park your car, you get out,you know it will take you a few minutes to get in to the building to do what you are going to do.STOP! This is already wrong!The fact that these dogs died in an oven of a vehicle is proof enough that this is gross negligence.
Allison Clarke
German Shepherd Rescue.
Unfortunately being involved in GS rescue for many years, we all know that this is not a perfect world. We pick up the pieces of this far from perfect world. This isn't a job to us we are not paid, we do this on a voluntary basis simply because we care about this wonderful breed. If it wasn't for the likes of Allison, Jan, Steve and myself, many shepherds would die in the pounds.
ReplyDeleteI made a decision some weeks ago that my rescue would not rehome to the police anymore and that decision was based purely on many negative experiences over the last few months.
The role of the police dog handler has started to appeal to the wrong type of people and some of these 'handlers' really do not demonstrate the dedication to the role and respect for their companions that we have seen in the past. Indeed to some, these dogs are simply seen as a tool of the trade. So in our experience, it would seem that not all Government Dog Handlers adore their canine friends!
All handlers should indeed remember that their life may depend on their canine companion and that to get the best from that companion, they should be treated with the respect and receive the care they so deserve.
These poor dogs were betrayed by the person that they trusted most. There simply is no excuse for leaving 2 dogs in an unattended vehicle during a heat wave.
I am horrified by what happened 2 these 2 beautiful dogs. This breed is amazing! They are intensley loyal, intelligent, loving,honest. I have always felt that the animal species puts the human race to shame, and this just proves my point! Had those dogs been caught in time and managed to be saved...they would've still loved they're handler and done their utmost to please him, regardless of what he had put them through. How many humans do you know that would do the same???
ReplyDeleteIt was said he was not on duty, bearing in mind the tempreture, why would anyone endeavour to have dogs in a car without air conditioning running. Personally i am a pet owner and have owned 4 gsd's....there is no way i would put my dog in the car in that heat....she has spent the hottest part of the day in her huge crate with water and fan on next to the crate. Some people should never be allowed to own animals, they do not appreciate what they give!
I agree with the comment of Dave.B. Let us wait until the results of the enquiry have been issued before we cast any further judgement. It is a crying shame what happened to those two dogs, something he his going to have to live with for the rest of his life. He must have loved those dogs or he would not be a handler. But, as yet for some unexplained reason he was not thinking straight when he left the vehicle or I'm sure he would have put them first. Until we know, I suggest we hold our quarter about this apparent negligence
ReplyDeleteJudge Jeffries
NOT MUCH SUPPORT FOR THE HANDLER THEN.THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO ANYONE. lETS WAIT FOR THE RESULT OF THE ENQUIRY BY THE RSPCA.
ReplyDeleteDOGFISH
Absolutely no support for the handler. He was supposed to be an experienced dog handler.
ReplyDeleteHe left 2 dogs in his car to roast alive!!
To those attempting to bring a sense of neutrality to this forum I suggest you are wasting your time.
ReplyDeleteI was taught that when someone is already down, it is cowardly to attack them. Better to offer to help them up. Nothing will bring back the unfortunate dogs. My brother took his own life, when he lost his job. Be very careful when you play judge and jury. My support is for the person who has to cope with such a tragic mistake and their family and friends.
ReplyDeleteThis was not a tragic mistake, he was an experienced handler therefore this represents gross negligence/gross misconduct.
ReplyDeleteIf he had been responsible for the deaths of 2 of his human colleagues no doubt you wouldn't be quite so understanding.
Just because this involved dogs, doesn't mean it can be swept under the carpet and forgotten about.
The officer should be fired and he should be prosecuted. He doesn't deserve any help or forgiveness. He subjected those poor dogs to a terrible death.
If your average Joe Bloggs had done this to 2 dogs, they would have already been prosecuted by the RSPCA and probably the police. Just because your are a member of the police this should not let you off the hook. This person should come forward and explain what happened so we can make sure it never happens again to any other dogs. The public and police should be made more aware about leaving dogs in cars in warm temperatures. I am sure we will never hear the outcome of this. It will be kept quiet, the dogs will be replaced and we will hear no more. I just hope lessons are learnt. I am sure that the person responsible for these poor dogs must feel dreadful but if they get away with this then what message does that give the public!
ReplyDeleteShould the result of any enquiry be put into the public domain then I will be sure to publish it on this blog. As a retired Police Officer I am not privvy to any other disclosure.
ReplyDeleteSo, we know he has been interviewed by the RSPCA so has he been prosecuted,jailed,sacked,suspended?? If nothing happens to him as we are all expecting then its safe to say the system is as corrupt as the criminals it is suppose to stop...
ReplyDeleteHopefully Dave as a retired P.O.you feeled suitably ashamed as do the thousands of dog lovers out there!
I agree it should not have happened. Ashamed that it was caused by a 'professional dog handler' then yes I am.
ReplyDeleteWhy would the result of any enquiry not be put into the public domain? The handler needs to be named and lets have the dogs names as well.
ReplyDeleteI bet these dogs were gifted by the public.
The public have a right to know what went on here.
Never make one mistake in your career David? Be cautious with your words. Let's not condemn a man before the facts. You of all people should know that.
ReplyDeleteYes, made plenty and always had to pay the price. I think I've said more than once on this subject, we need to know the full facts before we can sit in judgement. There is a difference between condemning the incident or the Officer.
ReplyDeletekilling things is a mistake now eh? Careful word doesn't get round, could get quite dangerous....you ridiculous person!
ReplyDeleteRead the Daily Mail today, the handler is named as Mark Johnson.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, it was German Shepherd Rescue that gave the Daily Mail his name.
The handler appears to be away enjoying himself on holiday at the moment.
Jayne Shenstone
Thank God for Jayne Shenstone and her buckets of sarcasm. "Enjoying himself" - if only you knew Jayne, if only you really knew.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope Jayne and her associates are as vociferous when the next police officer gets killed...rhetorical.
The way these people are condeming a man who has given everything to the Police Service and the public of Nottinghamshire makes me want to vomit. He'll never write a book Dave but he has shown as much love and devotion towards his canine colleagues as you ever did. Do you really think this was an intentional act? Your comment earlier about being ashamed upset me greatly. I thought you might have waited to hear the facts first. Pity you have changed.
I think we have all guessed the true facts and also that the deaths were not intentional. No one in their right mind would would think it was intentional.
ReplyDelete'Shame' is how you interpret it and I would think that Mark is, himself, ashamed of what happened.
'Guilt' is also open to interpretation and 'Punishment' well, my own opinion is that I think he will have sufferred more that any Court or disciplinary action can impose.
As you can see, I have allowed all comments to be published on my blog with the right of reply.
A fair and balanced reply Dave. I take your points in the spirit in which I know they are intended - doesn't stop me venting - once more I am sure you can understand why? Perhaps I owe you a vote of thanks for allowing me do so in a way that eases my personal pain? I've worked closely with this man and he saved my neck on more than one occassion and for that I am eternally indebted to him. Hence my being a solitary voice amongst the hatred?
ReplyDeleteI agree on the "Guilt" and "Punishment" views - and despite what your readers may think I also fully understand the venom that people aim towards Mark as this is one hell of an emotive topic, sadly these people sit in isolation from the facts and will never know the true nature of the officer and man and above all how massive a part of his professional and private life these amazing animals were.
Finally, as I really should stop this, to "Mr Vold" - I am not, contrary to your comments a ridiculous person, far from it, when I refer to a mistake I mean just that; your phrase 'killing' is unjust and unsuitable in these particular circumstances and typical of a media driven world - when used as opposed to accidental it sells papers and grabs the readers attention. After all, no-one these days appears to revel in good news do they?
Take care of yourself Dave and I hope retirement is treating you well - no hard feelings.
None taken. I hope this blog and the comments given allows people have an insight into what is one of the best 'jobs' you can have. Bravery, valour etc, as you indicate, rarely makes the headlines. As with our soldiers it only becomes news when there is a body bag involved.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope that the public will continue to support the Police and donate their dogs as it is extremely hard to obtain the calibre of dog required. I remember that hardly ever 10% of dogs offerred made it to assessment. As with the calibre of Officer, you have to have a primarily love of the animal and although a tool it is not thing that can be picked up, used and put down. The handler spends more hours of the day (including work time) with his dog than than with his family.
I think I too have now said enough.
I would wish to add, those who have posted and have served/serving with the Police Dog Section or Notts Police are welcome to register on the 'forum', a link is provided on this page.
ReplyDeleteWell "Anonymous", at least Dave has a name and is willing to put it to his comments...speaks volumes don't you think?
ReplyDeleteIf leaving your dogs in a car long enough to die is now classed as a mistake and you work in the in the same industry....god help us!
'Do you really think this was an intentional act?'
ReplyDeleteWe are talking about a professional police dog handler here whose life in the line of duty, would have depended on his dog at times. These dogs would have defended him no matter what, no questions asked. They deserved to be treated with the utmost respect. Nobody in their right mind especially a professional dog handler, would have left these dogs in a car on one of the hottest days in years, to suffer the fate of being roasted alive.
There was a deliberate attempt to hide this officers identity - we wonder why!
If he had come clean and expressed his regret and remorse, things may have been different.
I have had many shepherds over the years and I have NEVER EVER left any of them in a car unattended during hot weather. Anyone with an ounce of common sense knows this can be fatal to a dog.
If he had left 2 of his colleagues or 2 suspects in a locked car to die, he would be facing a manslaughter charge.
In effect, these 2 dogs were 'serving police officers' and he and he alone was responsible for their deaths. There simply are no excuses.
Jayne Shenstone
Once more, understandable comments, but each fly in the face of evidence. And I for one will not do a thing to alter that. Jayne, no-one denies the good, no great work you and your colleagues do, trust me I've studied you closely however despite all your comments you are ill-informed on this case. Again to suggest that the handler did not treat his dogs with the greatest respect shows a lack of knowledge. However despite what I say you have chosen your path and I cannot disuade you, nor would I waste my time in doing so.
ReplyDeleteMr Vold. I make no apologies for anonymity - again you made a judgement about me without knowing a single thing about me - if, as I suspect, you have an ounce of common sense you will not have to ask such questions again. Why do I choose not to name myself? Why sir do you think I do not? Indeed. Swap places and put your life on the line for one moment and all will become clear. Until then, save your comments for someone else. THANK YOU.
im a naighbour i have seen this guy spending hour upon hour with his dogs he was a dedicated owner and loved his dogs who yes made a mistake made and he is paying for it now but just remember this guys got a backbone out all hours chasing the scum of this world putting his life on line im sure more than once doing a great job while we all sleep at night.ja
ReplyDeleteDay of the trial at the magistrates has arrived and guess what.....yes its a no show from the accused! Good move i think not...speaks volumes does it not? A show of some compassion would have gone a long way but doesnt feel the need.
ReplyDeleteHow predictable! By doing this, he will lose any support he had from the public. If he had come clean, showed remorse and said he was sorry, it may have all blown over.
ReplyDeleteI bet the next we hear is that he is suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.
Of course this is nothing to do with stringing out the case to keep his salary and pension.
He killed those dogs and has never shown any remorse. His prime objective is looking after number 1 - any way he can.
This is what the general public think.Paste the following into your web browser.
ReplyDeleteProsecute the Police officers for allowing 2 Police dogs to be cooked alive in a police car
the guy was apparently called PC mark johnson and to be honest i think he should go down for more than six months i hate him for what he has done they didnt deseve it
ReplyDelete>:(
I still dont get what the fuse is abt...
ReplyDeleteEven if he intentional did it which is bad!
He should be punished for destroying govt. property period!
The part that annoys me is the call that he should be prosecuted for murder. .
..Murder of Dogs my foot.... Since when did dogs earn equal rights as humans!
Only ppl who are insane will have a police officer charged for 'murder of dogs' even of their is law to support such.
I baffles me how humans are willing to give rights to Dogs, and yet deny fellow humans the same right..