Cache County deputy charged after K-9 death

Jul 19, 2017, 7:06 PM

CACHE COUNTY – The handler of a Cache County K-9 is facing one charge of aggravated animal abuse for reportedly leaving the dog in his patrol vehicle for several hours.  The probable cause statement says Endy was in the vehicle while it was parked in an area where there was little to no shade.

The statement also says Deputy Jason Whittier was distraught to see Endy was dead.  “It’s a horrible thing for us, for our agency and specifically the handler,” says Cache County Sheriff Chad Jensen.

Whittier reportedly went home around noon on July 3rd, with Endy in the vehicle.  Later, Whittier went to family functions until roughly 11:30 p.m.  That’s when the statement says he noticed Endy wasn’t in his outdoor kennel.  That’s when Whittier checked the vehicle and saw Endy had died.  Jensen says they have mechanisms that protect their dogs form the heat, however, “It only works when the vehicle is running.  It monitors the temperature, and if it gets too hot while the deputy is out of the vehicle, working a crash, it automatically rolls down windows and turns on fans.”

Jensen says Whittier was given an extended period of time off without pay, and was reassigned to a different department.  In the meantime, the department is hoping to plan a memorial service for Endy sometime next week.  He expects a lot of people to be there since Endy had made so many public appearances.  “The public and law enforcement or anybody who wants to attend is welcome.  We’d love to have a many people who want to be part of that to be part of that with us,” Jensen says.

Some legal analysts say this rises to aggravated animal abuse not just because Endy died, but because of the suffering he went through before his death.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

12 year old driver shown driving erratically on freeway...

Sam Herrera

WATCH: Police release dash cam footage of 12-year-old driver

The Utah Highway Patrol said the 12-year-old driver stole her mom's car. The girl was briefly arrested before being released to her parents.

34 minutes ago

A bus carrying Easter worshippers fell off a cliff, killing 45 people in the Mamatlakala mountain p...

Amy Cassidy, CNN

Bus carrying Easter worshippers falls off cliff killing 45 people in South Africa

An eight-year-old girl who survived the bus crash in South Africa has been airlifted to hospital according to local media.

42 minutes ago

(Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio)...

Simone Seikaly

Possible carjacking in West Valley City leads to car fire, ramp closure

The UHP said a car was following another car eastbound on the 201 and moved onto the ramp toward NB I-15 when one car rolled and caught fire.

1 hour ago

(Loren Richardson via KSL.com)...

Simone Seikaly

Brighton resident charged for confronting snowboarder with shotgun

According to court documents, and based on witness accounts, Keith Robert Stebbings threatened a snowboarder with a shotgun.

2 hours ago

Four cats relaxing on chairs and a cat tree at Fawn's Family Rescue...

Heather Peterson

Fawn’s Family Rescue provides lounge to relax with adoptable cats

Fawn's Family Rescue recently opened its doors in Bountiful. The new cat lounge provides a comfortable way for people to hang out with feline friends.

5 hours ago

A n3-year degree may be an option...

Amie Schaeffer

Utah students could soon earn bachelor’s degrees in 3 years

College students may be able to graduate with a bachelors degree in three years in some industries.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Cache County deputy charged after K-9 death