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Died – 4/23/15
Handler – Officer Juan Villarreal
K9 Bruno Dies from heat stroke
A Brownsville police officer was charged with the death of his K-9 partner. Investigators said the officer failed to follow protocol. The Cameron County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. They handed the case to the district attorney who filed a charge of animal cruelty against the K-9 handler, Juan Villarreal. K-9 Officer Bruno was five years old, when he died in April. The Brownsville Police Department did not report the death to the public. They are also not commenting on the case. District Attorney Luis Saenz said the Belgian Malinois died from a heat stroke. Saenz said the K-9 was tied up in the officer’s backyard.
“All dogs are special,” Saenz said. “This dog was even more special, because of the job that he rendered. He is law enforcement. He has a job to perform and they’re very good at it,” he said. “We were able to obtain convictions in court on drug cases, because of the dog doing his job.” The officer also violated protocol by tying the animal up. Section M states “The handler will not tie the canine to any object.” The violation is an administration violation. It is unclear if the officer is facing any consequences within the department.
Saenz said Villarreal is cooperation and was very remorseful. He was charged with a Class A Misdemeanor. If Villarreal is found guilty, he faces up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. His next court date is set for later this month. The Cameron County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. They handed the case to the district attorney who filed a charge of animal cruelty against the K-9 handler, Juan Villarreal. The Brownsville Police Department did not report the death to the public. They are also not commenting on the case. District Attorney Luis Saenz said the Belgian Malinois died from a heat stroke.
