Save SAR K9 Z’ev

On May 15th the sheriff's office was called out to my neighborhood. They allegedly were called because "dogs were at large". They came straight to my home because I have K-9's.

The officer told me she wanted to make sure all of my dogs were accounted for, contained and how many I had. The officer then insisted and told me she wanted to see my dogs. Refusing to give me a description of the dog the officer was allegedly looking for. Which I was willing to oblige. I asked the officer to stay outside because I had young 5 day old puppies and did not in general let people into my home. Then when I turned around to go back into my house, I did not realize the officer was entering my home behind me. I did not invite into my home, I had asked her to stay outside on the porch.

So in fact the officer entered my home without permission or without a warrant. By doing this, she violated my 4th amendment rights against illegal searches and seizures.

Z'ev is not only my best friend and working K9 partner, he is a public servant. He is a search and rescue dog. He has assisted in several searches, including a young child who drowned.

I asked the officer to go outside, due to the dogs barking, to which she did not. My K9 dog Z'ev could sense my stress and he, being a protective dog in nature of myself, my family and home. He then broke out of his kennel after she approached me from behind while I was out of my k9 partner's line of sight. The officer was apparently trying to look over my shoulder into a bedroom where my husband was sleeping and the puppies were being kept. He initially barked at her herding her towards the front door. Not until the officer hit my dog did my dog then bite the arm thrust out in front of him. I immediately called my K9 partner and he immediately came to my side. The officer then went back to her patrol car. Moments later a large group of officers arrived on scene with animal control arriving shortly afterwards.

Animal control then ordered me to relinquish my K9 partner immediately, so that animal control could hold him for 10 days. I asked as allowed under Louisiana law to have him held at my vets office as he was a SAR dog as I was concerned for his health.
In which the animal control officer agreed and gave me a paper showing that I had to have him there by 9 am.
It was then stated that if I did not comply they would arrest me and impound all of my dogs, including our 5 day old puppies. Another police officer then stated they would be at my house at 9:01 to arrest me if the dog wasn't at the vets office and that he'd make sure all of my dogs were seized.
I agreed to have him at our vets office before 9 am and have the appropriate paperwork faxed from the vets office.
The animal control officer then left. Within a short period of time the animal control officer then returned demanding that I turn my K9 partner over as I was not going to be allowed to bring him to my vet's office. That if I refused and insisted on taking him to my vets, I would be taken into custody and while I was in jail all of the dogs and 5 day old puppies would be seized and taken to the animal control facility. Where my K9 partner would not be returned to me as they would have him euthanized.
I felt threatened, intimidated by the large number of officers surrounding me. In fear for the lives of our tiny 5 day old puppies being in such a contaminated facility , feeling intimidated, in fear of being arrested and taken away from my children I reluctantly turned over my K9 partner.

They refused to release him after the 10 day hold citing the desire to euthanize him and now are refusing to let me see my K9 partner.

Everyday my K9 partner is in there it costs me money. Animal control told me it would cost me alot, and that it was just better to sign him over to save me time and money. Citing their fees, court costs and attorney fees, sign him over and this would go away was what I felt I was being told. I refused, how can I convey the complex close knit relationship I have with my K9 partner who trains to save lives? Who has been with me before his birth since I own his mother. Who is a central everyday part of my life and my children's...how could I agree to forfeit his life because it would be convenient?!

My 4th amendment rights were violated, there was no search warrant, and I specifically asked the deputy to stay outside on my porch. Louisiana law reads that K9s and SAR dogs are exempt from persecution.

I appreciate your attention to this and even if you can't donate, please share & offer a prayer for my K9 partner's safe return and wellbeing. My humble thanks and appreciation.

Debra Hano
Ret. NREMT- Paramedic
SAR K9 Handler