June 27, 2008
ALBANY, GA - (WALB) - The Marine Corps Logistics base sent out a press release Friday morning, detailing the status of the investigation and findings related to the May death of 'Dax', a specially trained military dog aboard the base.
Here is that press release in its entirety:
Military working dog death investigation completed
MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE Albany, Ga. - One of our military working dogs, Dax, died here aboard MCLB Albany Tuesday, May 6. The military working dog section has been deeply distraught over the loss of Dax, and the command is saddened over the loss of one of our family.
The military veterinarian at Fort Benning examined remains and determined the cause of death was heat stroke. The military working dog section has undergone additional refresher training and received veterinary instruction to ensure that this does not happen in the future.
The command completed the investigation into the circumstances surrounding military working dog Dax's death. The investigation revealed a lack of diligence in carrying out assigned duties by two civilian government employees in the military working dog section, resulting in the dog being accidentally left in a military police vehicle for an extended period.
The command has implemented punitive administrative action against the two employees. Those employees' names and administrative punishments are not releasable under the Privacy Act and federal labor law.
The circumstances surround the investigation are as follows. One employee transported Dax and another dog to the training site, while Dax's handler took a different vehicle with supplies. Upon completion of training, the same driver returned to the kennels, but only removed one dog, leaving Dax inside. When Dax's handler came back to the kennels with the supply vehicle, that individual assumed that the first handler had returned both dogs to the kennel. When Dax was noticed missing later in the day, a search was made and he was found.
Our organization has been deeply saddened by Dax's loss. The command completed a thorough investigation as well as immediately implemented additional training and preventive measures to ensure this type of accident does not happen in the future. Those responsible have been held accountable, and the health and the safety of our military working dogs continues to be a top priority.
Media wishing to follow up on this information should contact the MCLB Albany Public Affairs Officer, Lt Caleb Eames, at one of the above numbers.
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