Investigation into Dorchester County K-9’s death is ‘active’ and findings sent to ‘external agency,’ sheriff’s office says

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office said it is actively investigating the recent death of a K-9 officer.

The agency said in a Facebook post it forwarded findings to an “external agency” for an investigative review.

DCSO reported in late July that one of its K-9s was found in their handler’s vehicle at the time of death, and the dog was taken to Columbia for necropsy. The K-9 was not named.

At the time, a spokesman for the agency said they planned to release additional details once the investigation was completed, and the results of that necropsy were received and reviewed.

But recent social media posts regarding the K-9’s death began to circulate, prompting the sheriff’s office to provide a small update on their Facebook page saying the investigation remained active.

“Given the sensitive nature of this incident, to ensure transparency and thoroughness, we have forwarded the findings to an external agency for an investigative review,” the sheriff’s office said.

DCSO went on to say, “As with any investigation, we are limited on the information that we can share.  In this matter, as soon as the review is complete, the file will be available in its entirety. We appreciate your concerns and ask for your patience through the review process.”

The agency added that they were “aware of misinformation circulating on social media” and asked people not to draw conclusions from “any other source” until the results of the investigation were known.