On Thursday, March 31, 2016, a beloved K9 part of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department was shot and killed. Just a month ago, the same K9 was attacked with a machete, resulting in multiple wounds to the face. He recovered and was sent back to work March 10, 2016, only to be killed in the line of duty three weeks later. My only question is why was he sent back so soon?

For all the dog lovers out there, this story broke our hearts. Nicky was a beloved dog who served and protected our community. However, there is something very wrong with the statement that I just made. Nicky was not asked to become a K9 officer and Nicky did not have the choice to become a K9 officer. The men that serve and protect our community daily made the choice to put their lives on the line because they want to do so. They know that they can be hurt or killed in the line of duty. Dogs do not know any better. They do not have a choice that humans do and are unable to say no, but that is the amazing thing about these animals. We can train them to say and do what we want them to and they will because they obey and love their owners. They are a species where their only purpose on this earth is to love and be loved.

After Thursday’s tragedy, I am officially against dogs being used as officers. He was sent to attack the suspect and put into harms way. Witnesses say that the dog was “beat up,” noticing the stab wounds on Nicky’s face. Why was he sent back to work so soon? This is where the issue arises. These dogs do not have any protection and cannot carry weapons. They are to make direct contact with suspects without protection, which makes it all the more dangerous for these animals. So many K9 officers are injured in the line of duty. Dogs are meant to be pets who don’t have to worry about being shot or stabbed.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, a study was done back in 2010 where officers and K9 officers were to go in a room that was clean with no drugs or explosives. The K9’s had a failure rate of 85 percent. This may be another reason why they should not be used, especially if the failure rate is that high. The police department can run into legality issues concerning K9 officers.

A local, Misty Rose, has created a Gofundme account to raise money for bullet and stab proof vests for K9 officers. 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to Vesting America’s K9s and they could save many of these dogs' lives. If we cannot outlaw K9 officers, then donating to this Gofundme account will help to keep these animals safer from harm.

If you are interested in making a donation, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/w6wxdee4. Save a K9 officer's life.

Our hearts go out to Nicky and to his partner, Eric Kerns. He will be dearly missed.

RIP Nicky, a true hero.