Mexico’s police K-9s finally no longer be put to sleep upon retirement

Mexican police dogs recently coming out of service will be the first wave of law dogs to not be euthanised upon retirement, thanks to a long battle by police and civilians alike.

Federal Police K-9 Rosty (who made headlines after finding $3 million in an abandoned car back in 2011) is just one of the nine dogs who were retired in Mexico last year after years on the force, having been recognized with medals before being sent out to an agency for careful adoption.

“They deserve it,” said Víctor Hugo Martínez, the unit’s director. “For almost their entire lives they’ve done nothing but serve the nation, and they’ve been the best companions.”

Until late last year, Mexico’s police dogs were euthanized after duty to prevent cartels and criminals from getting their hands on them for criminal use. However, the Mexican Dog-Lovers Federation fought to change the policy, which has saved all 200 dogs serving in the unit.

“If we’re careful with the adoption process, we can check out the families [looking to adopt] and make sure they can give them a good home,” said José Luis Pairo of the Federacion Canofila Mexicana (FCM), an organization tasked with finding the dogs a home. Once adopted, the FCM staff and Federal Police will regularly check on the dogs.

Although discouraged from adopting the K-9s themselves due to duty restrictions, the officers who served as the dogs’ handlers are happy to know that their K-9s will not only get to live a few more years but will do so under the loving care of families who have been properly vetted.

“The federal police K-9 handlers will be getting other dogs and continuing with their work, so it’s best if they don’t keep their old K-9 companions,” said Pairo.

Deputy Officer Alfredo Aldape, who served five years with a dog named Lucy, says even though “it will be so sad to see her go,” he understands that it would be best for the senior K-9 to go to a family that has time, space and money to take care of her in the best ways possible.

“They worked hard,” Aldape told Fox News. “They deserve a happy ending in someone’s yard, soaking up the sun and being spoiled.”

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