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Punta Gorda Police Department overhauls K9 unit

Posted at 6:18 PM, Dec 05, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-06 07:28:19-05

PUNTA GORDA, Fla-- The Punta Gorda Police Department wants to make changes to the current K9 unit hoping to restore its image and save money.

The plans would include retiring Spirit, a German Sheppard and the current K9, and bring on two new K9's of a different breed such as Retriever or Labrador. 

"In order to be good at whatever they are doing, I think that having them do a specific task is a great idea," said part-time resident Barbara Johnson. 

The plans include changing the training to have the new K9's serve as drug detectors and welfare checks, but not be involved in catching suspects who resist arrest. This plan would call for doubling the current K9 unit to include 2 dogs and 2 handlers. PGPD said these changes would help with public perception, especially during school events where kids are able to pet the dogs.

"Of course because all kids and even adults love dogs. So I'm sure that it would be an improvement for the police," said Johnson.

The City Council is expected to hear the proposal on Wednesday. If approved, Punta Gorda PD said they will begin making changes and start searching for dogs at local shelters and humane societies.