Two K-9s belonging to the Salem County Sheriff’s Office died of apparent heat-related causes after being left alone in a county vehicle for several hours on May 29, prosecutors said. A sheriff’s sergeant has been charged in connection with their deaths.
The animals — a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois named Rip and a 6-year-old springer spaniel named Boomer — were found unresponsive in an S.U.V. after being left inside for about seven hours, according to court documents and a statement from county officials.
Charges and departmental action
Prosecutors announced that the sergeant, identified in court filings as a K-9 handler for the sheriff’s office, has been charged with multiple offenses, including counts of animal cruelty. He has been suspended without pay, Undersheriff Michael Peterson said.
“The Salem County Sheriff’s Office remains deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our K-9 partners, Rip and Boomer,” the office said in a statement.
Investigation details
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed the sergeant arriving at the Salem County courthouse with the two dogs at approximately 8:30 a.m. on May 29. Court documents indicate the animals were left in the vehicle and later discovered dead when the sergeant returned at about 3:30 p.m.
After finding the dogs, the sergeant transported them to an animal hospital in Delaware. A necropsy performed by the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory determined the deaths were likely caused by hyperthermia and heat stroke, the prosecutor’s office said.
Local response and next steps
The sheriff’s office characterized Rip and Boomer as dedicated K-9 partners who served the community. Prosecutors have filed criminal charges and the case will proceed through the county court system. It was not immediately clear whether the charged sergeant had obtained legal representation.
- Dogs involved: Rip (4-year-old Belgian Malinois) and Boomer (6-year-old springer spaniel).
- Incident date: May 29; dogs discovered around 3:30 p.m.
- Cause of death: necropsy found likely hyperthermia/heat stroke.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| ~8:30 a.m. | Sergeant arrives at courthouse with K-9s |
| ~3:30 p.m. | Sergeant returns, finds dogs unresponsive; transports them to Delaware animal hospital |
| Afterward | Necropsy by NJ Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory: likely heat-related deaths; criminal charges filed |
The charged sergeant’s suspension and the filing of criminal counts underscore the legal stakes when working animals die in custody. The county prosecutor’s office will continue to handle the prosecution, and the case will be scheduled for upcoming court proceedings, according to court records.
Residents with questions about the investigation may look for updates from the Salem County Sheriff’s Office and the county prosecutor as the legal process unfolds.
Isabella Moretti is the New Jersey correspondent for News Block.
