8b. Memo
Authorization Port Owned K9 to Handler
COMMISSION AGENDA MEMORANDUM Item No. 8b ACTION ITEM Date of Meeting July 26, 2022 DATE: July 1, 2022 TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director FROM: Hannah Minnehan, Patrol Commander SUBJECT: Authorization for Conveyance of Retired Port-Owned K9 Merlin to its Handler Amount of this request: $0.00 Total estimated project cost: $0.00 ACTION REQUESTED Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to convey a Port-owned K9 to its handler. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On December 14, 2021, the Port of Seattle Commission approved Resolution No. 3797 which authorized the Executive Director to sell and convey port personal property in 2022 in accordance with RCW 53.08.090 with a value not greater than $21,000. Port Policy AC -13 restricts Portowned property from being conveyed to Port employees unless approved by the Commission. In this case, there is basis for an exception as explained in the Justification section and conveyances of K9s to their handlers is a standard industry practice. The Executive Director will work to develop a more permanent process for Commission consideration and approval in the near future. In the case of K9 Merlin and conveyance to his handler, time is of the essence given the circumstances and the veterinarian medical assessment and recommendation. Allowing the Port to retire its canines in this manner is modeled after the TSA canine retirement process. The Port of Seattle purchased its first Air Scent Canines in 2017 and this is the first time the Port will be retiring one of its canines. All previous canine retirements were TSA-owned and followed their retirement process. JUSTIFICATION The typical working life of a canine ranges widely, mostly dependent on the canine’s health, and can range anywhere from 1-10 years. Once a canine is eligible to retire, organizations including the TSA offer the first right of refusal to the current handler. If that handler declines, the dog is offered to the previous handler and so forth. If no one wants to adopt the canine, it is returned to the vendor or adopted to friends and/or co-workers. Template revised January 10, 2019. COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8b Page 2 of 3 Meeting Date: July 26, 2022 Retirement eligibility of a canine is determined by several factors which can include but is not limited to age, medical health, cost, and/or behavior. Required paperwork includes a letter from the veterinarian, official department request and hold harmless documentation. Port Policy AC-13 contains a provision that informs of the best approach to enable transfer of a retired Port Police service K9 to its handler. AC-13 paragraph .05 states that: “Surplus property must not be sold/transferred to any Port Commissioner or Port employee or to members of their immediate families unless specific approval of the Port Commission is obtained. For example, a retiring police officer with at least five years of service will be provided the officer’s assigned service weapon along with a display box as authorized by the Commission via the provision of a collective bargaining agreement.” At this time, we are seeking authorization for Officer Jeralyn Berg’s K9 Merlin to be retired from active duty as an explosive detection canine. K9 Merlin is approximately seven years of age, and it would not be cost effective in re-assigning him to another active handler. He suffers from documented medical issues by a veterinarian, making his re-assignment unfeasible. His handler has agreed to adopt him and has completed the Release of Liability and Hold Harmless Agreement for Retired Service Animals. Schedule Upon approval of authorization by the Commission, the retirement of K9 Merlin will commence immediately. ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED Alternative 1 – Board K9 Merlin at a local vet hospital that provides 24-hour care. Cost Implications: Pros: (1) Temporary holding area for the K9. Cost to board only, per calendar day= $38.00, monthly= $1140.00 Cons: (1) K9 Merlin has documented medical issues (denoted in attachment 1) and boarding would require additional medical treatment resulting in a significant monetary expenditure. It would also provide a low quality of life to the K9. This is not the recommended alternative. COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8b Page 3 of 3 Meeting Date: July 26, 2022 Alternative 2 – Retire and release all interest of K9 Merlin and allow for his handler to adopt him. Cost Implications: None. Pros: (1) The Port will not be liable for any cost or care for the K9. (2) K9 Merlin will be adopted his former handler who would assume all costs associated with his care and provide a healthy and safe home for the dog. Cons: (1) None. This is the recommended alternative. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The department is not requesting any funds for this authorization. ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST (1) Retirement Recommendation Letter from primary veterinarian (2) POSPD Hold Harmless Agreement PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS January 4, 2022 – The Commission authorized retirement and conveyance of Port-owned K9 Ty to the handler.
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