Bart was two and a half years old. He was a K-9 with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee — and he was found unresponsive in his outdoor kennel after roughly 36 hours without water, with heat indexes near 101 degrees. A veterinary exam determined the cause: heat stroke from severe dehydration.
What the sheriff’s office says
Bart’s handler — a deputy who had cared for him — has resigned. The department says an internal investigation and a criminal investigation are both open, and findings will be referred to outside authorities.
No charges have been filed. That decision sits with District Attorney Jody Pickens.
The detail that hurts
Months earlier, the department celebrated Bart receiving a donated protective vest. He depended on people for everything — including water.
Watch the breakdown
Sources
1. WBBJ-TV (Sept 25)
2. WVLT (Sept 26)
3. WREG
4. WFSB (Sept 28)
Presser photos: Courtesy Madison County Sheriff’s Office
#OhDangReally #K9Bart #MadisonCountyTennessee
