Correctional officer charged with animal cruelty
A Corrections Corporation of America K9 officer has been charged with animal cruelty after his dog died in his car Tuesday.
CCA spokesman Steve Owen said the dog, Kilo, was certified as a drug dog and had been working at the CCA-operated Hardeman County Correctional Facility since 2013. Robert Strickland, Kilo’s handler, has worked at the prison since 2005 as a correctional officer, Owen said.
Strickland, 42, was charged Friday with cruelty to animals. Whiteville Police Chief Steve Stanley said Thursday that Kilo had been left in Strickland’s car. Stanley said the investigation by the Whiteville Police Department is ongoing.
Owen said CCA considers Kilo’s death an accident.
“CCA is heartbroken over the loss of Kilo, as is his handler,” Owen said. “He was a treasured member of our team, and we are all saddened by this tragic accident.”
Owen said Strickland is on paid administrative leave, pending further information from the investigation.
CCA is donating $5,000 in Kilo’s memory to the Hardeman County Humane Society, and is beginning to incorporate additional training for K9 officers, Owen said.
“We are also conducting a company-wide refresher with all of our K9 officers to review protocols for dog care and safety, especially as we enter into the summer months,” Owen said.
Strickland has been released from jail on $1,000 bond.