San Antonio, Texas – A K9 with Northside ISD Police was euthanized shortly after a life-saving surgery to remove an intestinal blockage was declined. The seven-year-old dog, Donna, was taken to an emergency veterinarian on August 10 for vomiting and diarrhea.
As reported by KSAT News, the veterinarian advised that Donna needed a $7,000 surgery to remove the blockage. According to the report, the department was advised that Donna should have been able to return to her narcotics duties, with no future health issues, if the surgery was performed – but it was declined.
Shortly thereafter, the dog originally purchased by the department for $10,000 was dead – euthanized because the department opted to decline the surgery which would have saved her life.
A statement from police chief Richard Paloma reads in part:
“Our decision was based on the totality of the circumstances and, above all, on what we believed was most compassionate for Donna. We did not want to put her through an invasive procedure and difficult recovery when the outcome remained uncertain.
We are deeply grateful for K9 Donna’s faithful service and for the special bond she shared with her handler and our department. Saying goodbye was incredibly difficult, but Donna’s welfare and dignity remained at the heart of our decision. Her service and loyalty will always be remembered.”
Rest in peace Donna.
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