Vote — approved

Thomas Galvin	yes
Kate Brophy McGee	yes
Mark Stewart	yes
Debbie Lesko	yes
Steve Gallardo	yes

45.TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF RETIRING K-9 JOKER Approve the transfer of ownership of retiring K-9, Joker #K174, to Steve Leitzell (Owner/Operator of Spectrum K9). K-9 Joker was originally purchased in February 2024 and is a dual-purpose, EOD detection and patrol apprehension canine. After completing MCSO basic canine academy he was assigned to Sergeant Russell. Working alongside of Sgt. Russell on duty, several incidents were documented where Joker has redirected aggression back to his handler creat

Item Text

45. TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF RETIRING K-9 JOKER Approve the transfer of ownership of retiring K-9, Joker #K174, to Steve Leitzell (Owner/Operator of Spectrum K9). K-9 Joker was originally purchased in February 2024 and is a dual-purpose, EOD detection and patrol apprehension canine. After completing MCSO basic canine academy he was assigned to Sergeant Russell. Working alongside of Sgt. Russell on duty, several incidents were documented where Joker has redirected aggression back to his handler creating injury and unsafe working situation. After several attempts of re-training and advanced training it is recommended that Joker be retired for the safety of the public and his handler. After assessment and exhausted efforts of additional training with Spectrum K9, in January 2026 it was determined that K9 Joker is too much of a liability to be placed as a dual-purpose canine for law enforcement. Steve Leitzell, Owner/Operator Of Spectrum K9, whom provided additional training and assessment of K9 Joker, will accept full care and financial responsibility for Joker upon adoption and will be asked to sign the Canine Release and Indemnification. THIS ITEM REQUIRES A UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THE BOARD (C-50-26-054-X-00)