HUNTINGTON BEACH : Council to Consider Buying Police Dog

The City Council will hold a special meeting tonight to discuss the proposed 1991-92 city budget and to consider allocating $9,500 for a new police dog to replace one slain in the line of duty on May 26.

Police Chief Ronald Lowenberg, in a memo to the City Council, recommended allocation of the money for a new police dog to replace Kim, a police dog who died after being stabbed by a suspect fleeing from officers. The suspect, who subsequently was arrested, has been charged with felony killing of a police dog, evading arrest and reckless driving.

“The untimely death of Kim has reduced the Police Department K-9 Corps by 25%,” said Lowenberg. “By purchasing and training the dog immediately, the canine and handler will be available for the summer deployment period--historically the busiest time of the year for the Police Department.”

Lowenberg said the cost of a new German shepherd, imported from Germany, would be $5,500, and training would cost an additional $5,000. The chief said $1,000 has already been privately donated to the Police Department for a new dog, and he recommended that the council allocate the remaining $9,500 from money seized from drug dealers.

During its budget discussion, the City Council will discuss how state and federal cutbacks are affecting the city. A staff report to the council shows that the city is being required to assume $5.8 million in costs once paid by either the state or the federal government.