A New Jersey police officer, Cody L. Henderson of the Salem County Sheriff’s Office, has been charged after two K-9s, Rip and Boomer, died in his vehicle due to heat stroke. According to prosecutors, Henderson left the K-9s unattended in the police vehicle without proper ventilation for seven hours.

Investigation Reveals Neglect

Prosecutors said an investigation revealed that Henderson left the K-9s in the vehicle from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. without appropriate ventilation or care. The vehicle was not running during that time, the windows were closed, and no emergency alert system was activated.

A necropsy performed by the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory determined that the dogs likely died from hyperthermia. Henderson has been charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty and neglect.

Response from the Sheriff’s Office

The Salem County Sheriff’s Office expressed deep sadness over the loss of the K-9s, stating that they were valued members of the law enforcement family. The office has been notified of the charges against Henderson and will direct all comments to the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.