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Council approves retirement and transfer of K‑9 ‘Buddy’; replacement paused pending hemp-law clarity
Summary
Council approved retiring police K‑9 Buddy and transferring the dog to its longtime handler; the police chief said they will not immediately replace the dog while awaiting guidance on hemp-related limits to drug-detection work.
The Bolivar City Council approved retiring its police K‑9, Buddy, and transferring the dog to its longtime handler. Council members praised Buddy’s service in patrol and crime‑scene work and moved to approve the transfer with standard documentation to relieve the city of future veterinary liability.
Chief Jones described Buddy’s work locating ammunition at crime scenes, tracking suspects and assisting neighboring departments when needed. "Buddy also helped us with crime scenes… We found guns with Buddy," the chief said in describing operational contributions. The chief added the city will have a signed letter transferring responsibility and will not retain veterinary liability after the transfer.
Council members discussed whether to replace Buddy immediately. The police chief said replacement is uncertain while the city awaits clarification of recently changed hemp laws that could affect drug-detection dogs. "I'm not immediate on replacing Buddy because I'm waiting to see how this hemp law works out," the chief said, noting concern about training a new dog for marijuana detection if legal standards change. The council approved the retirement and transfer; the transcript records the motion, a second and the chair announcing that the motion carried.
