Columbia Tribune
The Columbia Police Officers Association is supporting fired Officer Rob Sanders in his quest to purchase his police dog, Fano, from the city.
Citing a passionate response by many police officers, the Columbia Police Officers Association has thrown its support behind a fired cop who wants to purchase his canine partner from the city.
The association is requesting the 3-year-old dog, Fano, be released from city ownership to former Officer Rob Sanders, who was fired for shoving a man in a holding cell in August. Sanders’ supporters tried to drum up support to get the city to either give or sell the dog to Sanders.
The Columbia City Council has requested a report detailing the dog’s worth and the potential liabilities of selling the animal. The police department at one time told Sanders it would sell him the dog for $10,800. Sanders came up with the money through public donations, but the offer was rescinded by Chief Ken Burton when he learned about potential liabilities.
“Some are very passionate about the issue,” union Executive Director Ashley Cuttle said. “Some just wanted” the union “to step up and do what they thought is right.”
In the union’s letter to the council, Mayor Bob McDavid and City Manager Mike Matthes, Cuttle details an estimated $2,700 in kennel fees to house the dog until a new handler can be trained. She also estimates the dog’s worth to be as much as $6,500 and current medical issues that include two missing teeth.
The letter tackles the city’s presumed liability issues by noting a Missouri statute that addresses dog bites without provocation and owner liability for damages. Cuttle said the statute places liability on the owner. City Attorney Fred Boeckmann previously said he could foresee a situation in which others could allege the city knew the dog to be vicious and threatening if it ever bit someone.
Cuttle and Sanders’ supporters will be present for Monday’s city council meeting, where council members could decide the matter.
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