Countywide : Sheriff to Retire Ailing Dog Whose Name Led to Protest

Dago, a Ventura County Sheriff’s Department police dog whose name created concern in the county’s Italian-American community, is being retired from police service.

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors will consider whether to allow the dog’s handler, Deputy Charles Buttell, to purchase Dago as a pet.

Last November, Sheriff John V. Gillespie ordered deputies to remove the word Dago from a K-9 patrol car because of protests from Italian-Americans.

The dog’s name, which is pronounced “dah-go,” was given to him by a kennel in Germany.

Gillespie said the name was put on the car with no harm intended.

Dago was purchased in November, 1986, with private funds and was assigned to Buttell for patrol duty after completing an extensive training program.

In January, 1988, Dago was diagnosed as having an inflammatory disease of the digestive system.

A report to the board says medications have been prescribed by a veterinarian to reduce the effects of the disease, but Dago’s illness has affected his performance.

Buttell says he would agree to assume all obligations and liabilities for the dog.