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Meeting Date:	10/10/2017
Acceptance of Donated K9 Ati
Submitted for:	Martin Cuellar	Submitted By:	Anita Guerra
Department:	Sheriff

Subject:

Discussion and possible action to approve acceptance of a black/tan male German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mixed breed canine (K-9) named Ati (Birthday 08-20-2015; Tattoo No.: Y530; Microchip Number: 688052000069322) from the U.S. Department of the Military for narcotics detection purposes; with authorization to provide insurance coverage as a law enforcement service animal; and any other matters incident thereto. The canine (K9) was donated to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, and related canine costs for veterinary care, food, and other needed materials/supplies are to be paid utilizing forfeiture funds.

Issue: The Laredo/Webb County area is designated as part of the South Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), which is considered, "one of the most strategically significant cross-border drug smuggling corridors" (U.S. Department of Justice National Drug Intelligence Center South Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Drug Market Analysis 2011). The 2011 report by the U.S. Department of Justice National Drug Intelligence Center further states that, South Texas HIDTA region has a greater influence on national-level drug trafficking and drug availability than does any area along the U.S.-Mexico border" (Drug Market Analysis 2011).

Solution: Acceptance of the donation of a Canine (K9) from the U.S. Department of the Military U.S. Department of Homeland Security to acquire the K9’s services to assist Webb County Sheriff’s Office deputies with interdiction and other crime-fighting services in the Laredo/Webb County area.

Result: Requested K9 will assist the Webb County Sheriff’s Office to fight crime.

Background:

Historically, the submission of this type of agenda item is required by Webb County Administrative Services in order for the K9 to be covered for insurance purposes. K9s serve as highly skilled, invaluable assets that can assist local law enforcement agencies with needed illegal trafficking interdiction, especially in the South Texas region. This black/tan male German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois canine (K-9) was donated to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office by the U.S. Department of the Military.

Previous Court Action:

The acceptance of a donation of a difference canines to the Offices of the Constables and the Webb County Sheriff’s office have regularly been approved by the Webb County Commissioners’ Court.

Fiscal Impact

Budget Account Number:	N/A
Funding Source:	N/A
Balance:	N/A
Financial Impact:
Canine (K9) related expenses are limited in scope. This canine is a donation, and, thus, has been acquired at no cost to Webb County. Future expected canine expenditures for veterinary services, minor supplies/equipment, and associated food costs are to be taken from federal forfeiture funds (Department of Treasury).

Attachments
K9 Ati