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Palm Bay council approves transfer of police canine Zeke to former handler; officer to purchase dog
Summary
Council approved moving forward with the transfer of retired K-9 Zeke to his former handler, with officer offering to pay $11,000; members discussed a city fundraising option and payment plans.
The Palm Bay City Council approved an agreement to transfer retired police canine Zeke to his former handler and finalized payment arrangements after debate over whether the officer should pay the full recoup amount.
Police said Zeke, a Belgian Malinois, developed medical issues that limit long-term service. The handler, Officer Jennifer Blackledge, asked to keep Zeke and offered to pay the $11,000 the department paid when the animal was acquired. Officer Blackledge told the council she preferred to “pay out…
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