Shaker Heights police reject handler’s offer to buy K9 after years of duty

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio (WOIO) - The future of a police K9 has once again caused controversy in the community, this time in Shaker Heights.

The K9 handler, who is taking a job with another law enforcement agency, is offering to purchase the dog for $10,000. But the city’s police chief says the dog still has plenty of good years left and was trained to serve the community.

The future of canine Igor has even taken on a life of its’ own on social media with a Change.org petition called “Bring K9 Igor Home.”

“He’s been with us through our first home, our forever home, marriage, having a baby. Been with us through everything,” said Danielle Hagan, the wife of Officer Chad Hagan, Igor’s former handler.

Officer Hagan has an unbreakable bond with the DOG, Danielle said.

“We offered $10,000 of our own money and to be honest, I guarantee Chad would have paid more than that. But, the chief came back and said no financial number will be considered,” she said.

The Hagans have offered to purchase Igor from the City of Shaker Heights because Officer Hagan will be moving to a new job that’s much closer to the family’s home on Monday.

He gave his police chief notice when he started considering other opportunities, and his wife says they were shocked by the response.

“First thing that was said to him by the chief was we need to figure out what we’re going to do with Igor. That kind of struck Chad the wrong way. He wasn’t saying he was leaving. So, when that happened he was like ‘well wow’...That kind of a slap in the face,” Danielle said.

Now, Igor’s water bowl sits empty along with his cage next to the family’s German Shepherd.

Danielle Hagan said her husband turned in his two-week notice on Thanksgiving. He was told just a few days later he would have to turn Igor in to a local kennel.

The police K9 is now sitting at that kennel at the taxpayers’ expense. His future is uncertain.

A statement issued by the City of Shaker Heights said in part:

But, Danielle Hagain says Igor has slowed down and likely only has a year and a half to two years of law enforcement work left. She says Cleveland Heights and other communities have let officers purchase canines even after 4 years for just $1.

“We’re his only family that he knows,” Danielle said.

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