Kechi to Transfer Police Dog to Former Handler

February 11, 2010

Eva at work

(KECHI, Kan.)

The city of Kechi will be transferring its police drug dog to her former handler. Eva has been in the care of a veterinarian since her handler left the Kechi Police Department.

At a regular city council meeting Thursday night, the council voted 5-0 to transfer Eva to her former handler, who is now an officer in Halstead.

The Kechi Chief of Police told Eyewitness News this is the best move for the dog and his department will be working closely with the Halstead Police Department, which will now be using her services.

"We have visited with that agency and they're willing to work with us as well after she does go with them so this is the best move for the dog and I had faith in the council that they would do the right thing to make sure she found the appropriate home," said Chief Jason Doll.

People living in Kechi were outraged last week when the city administrator suggested raffling the trained police dog off to a civilian.

"What new business would want to relocate in Kechi and be associated with the town that puts their K9 up for a lottery in a fishbowl?" asked Kechi resident Rick Eberhard.

City Administrator Mark Tallman admits now that was a mistake, and after receiving a lot of feedback, says putting her back in the care of her handler is the best decision.

City officials won't comment on why her former handler, Nick Holzrichter, left the Kechi Police Department but the department's chief said he left on good terms.

When contacted, Nick told Eyewitness News he's disappointed with how Tallman handled the situation but is happy with the outcome.

Council members were quick to point out their decision was not about trying to get rid of the dog. It would have cost the city nearly $10,000 to train a new handler and the Kechi simply couldn't afford it.

Eva will be made available to Kechi by the Halstead Department when necessary.

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