Police Dog’s Death

Re “Jury Deadlocks in Trial of Officer in Dog’s Death,” April 5: What a waste of money, energy and resources by the city of San Diego in attempting to prosecute Officer Lawrence Cahill. I have had dogs around me all my life for comfort and pleasure; I can only imagine the bond created between a police officer and his police dog. Officer Cahill is obviously remorseful and regretful for leaving his canine “partner” in his patrol car. Who would not be?

These dogs often act as an officer’s eyes and ears in tense, potentially life-threatening situations; after fours years of working with this animal, Cahill learned to rely on this canine for his own safety and well-being. He certainly knows what a great loss this has been for him and the Police Department. San Diego thinks it’s money well-spent to prosecute him?

SCOTT SHIPMAN

Los Angeles