A police canine was recently retired due to a combination of age and injury; therefore, leaving only two police canines to cover three shifts.  Police canines are essential to law enforcement in detecting drugs and the apprehension of criminals.  The police canines are also critical to minimize officer risk.  $8,300 is needed to purchase a canine, which includes training and initial veterinarian costs.  Thus far, the Department has received $5,435 in donations and there are pledges for the remaining costs.  Various donors wish to donate funds in excess of $500 to the Billings Police Department to purchase a Police Canine.  Council policy requires that any donation of more than $500 must be approved by the City Council.   Donation verification forms directing funds to the Canine Program have been signed and will be forwarded to the City Clerk.  City Council is being asked to accept the donations listed below. 

Animal Surgery Clinic of Billings	$1,200
Stella's Kitchen & Bakery	$   500
Underriner Motors	$1,000
Wells Fargo Bank	$   500
Justin Krivitz	$   500
Anonymous Donation	$1,000

The City Council may:

• Accept the donations to purchase a Police Canine; or
• Not accept the donations for the Police Canine which would result the loss of canine coverage for one of the three police shifts.  

These donations will afford the Billings Police Department the opportunity to purchase a police canine without using City funds. 

Staff recommends that City Council accept the above donations to purchase a police canine.