Maine County Dogged by Police Canine Liability

Three police dogs that work for the Cumberland County, Maine Sheriff’s Department were being confined to their kennels while off-duty.

The issue of liability arose when Jag, a German shepherd, bit a newspaper carrier in Auburn in 2006, leading to a $7,500 claim against the dog’s handler.

The deputy was shocked to learn that the county insurer and his own insurer wouldn’t cover the claim.

Sheriff Mark Dion ordered the county’s patrol dogs to be placed in professional kennels while off duty until the liability issue is resolved.

But within days, the police dogs were again going home with their handlers while off-duty.

County officials have agreed to indemnify the handlers if they are sued for anything the dogs do while off-duty.

Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com.