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Urbandale K-9 removed from service, returned to Crisis Canines after behavioral review
Summary
The council approved a resolution concerning the department’s K-9 program after a behavior and handler-compatibility review; the dog was returned to Crisis Canines and will be placed as a pet, the fire and police chiefs said.
Assistant Chief Bingham and Chief Rob Johansen updated the council on the status of Blitz, the Urbandale Police Department’s K-9. After assessment by Crisis Canines, department trainers and the handler noted behavioral issues and handler incompatibility that led Crisis Canines to recommend removing the dog from service.
Assistant Chief Bingham told the council the dog had been returned to Crisis Canines and that the vendor planned to place Blitz as a pet because of the dog’s lineage and the trainer assessments. Bingham said the department hopes to work with Crisis Canines and other stakeholders to consider the future of the K-9 program.
The council adopted a resolution related to the canine program (resolution number cited in the meeting as 020-2025). Staff said that once the dog was returned to Crisis Canines, further disposition would be at the vendor’s discretion and that the vendor had indicated a plan to place the dog as a pet.
Council members expressed support for continuing the program when resources permit and thanked handlers and trainers for their work.
