UPDATE: APD Investigating Video Of Officer Kicking His K9 Partner

The Amarillo Police Department is investigating an incident involving an officer kicking his K9 on video.

On December 30th, an APD Officer deployed his K9 to assist patrol officers in apprehending a suspect who had stolen a vehicle that a driver left running. 

As officials were handcuffing the suspect, the officer kicks the K9 one time as he is returning the dog to the police vehicle.

The Department says they are looking at the incident on two fronts.

There is an Internal Affairs investigation to determine if the officer violated any department policies or procedures and the officer’s chain of command will determine disciplinary actions if there are sustained allegations of policy violations. 

Under Texas Penal Code Section 38.151, a person commits an offense if the person recklessly, taunts, torments, or strikes a police service animal. 

This offense is a Class C misdemeanor and the Criminal Investigation Division detective will review this incident and determine if the case will be sent to the Municipal Court for prosecution.

The Department has removed the K9 from the officer and is being kenneled with the K9 Unit supervisor while the above investigations are ongoing.

The dog did not sustain any injuries from the incident, but he is scheduled to be checked by a veterinarian to be sure.

The officer is continuing to report for duty, but without a K9 partner while the above investigations are ongoing.