Dog mistakenly put to sleep

Sunday, Sept. 7, 1997 | 10:53 a.m.

"We have started an investigation on how we can prevent this sort of thing in the future," James told the High Desert Advocate, adding the officers are facing punishment.

The dog was put to sleep on Aug. 31, a day after a companion of owner Billie Cook went to the pound to retrieve it.

The companion, West Wendover Fire Chief Jeff Knudtson, was told the necessary paperwork on the dog was missing and the animal couldn't be picked up until two days later.

But the dog was put to sleep the next day, a Sunday, along with unclaimed animals at the pound.

Cook said the dog, known as Bear, slipped its chain and was picked up by police two days before being put to sleep.

James said the officers and department also could be held civilly liable if Cook files a lawsuit.

Cook said she was uncertain whether she would take any action against them.

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