Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
8b
ACTION ITEM
Date of Meeting
July 26, 2022
DATE: July 1, 2022
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Hannah Minnehan, Patrol Commander
SUBJECT: Authorization for Conveyance of Retired Port-Owned K9 Merlin to its Handler
Amount of this request:
$0.00
Total estimated project cost:
$0.00
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to convey a Port-owned K9 to its
handler.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On December 14, 2021, the Port of Seattle Commission approved Resolution No. 3797 which
authorized the Executive Director to sell and convey port personal property in 2022 in accordance
with RCW 53.08.090 with a value not greater than $21,000. Port Policy AC-13 restricts Port-
owned property from being conveyed to Port employees unless approved by the Commission. In
this case, there is basis for an exception as explained in the Justification section and conveyances
of K9s to their handlers is a standard industry practice. The Executive Director will work to
develop a more permanent process for Commission consideration and approval in the near
future. In the case of K9 Merlin and conveyance to his handler, time is of the essence given the
circumstances and the veterinarian medical assessment and recommendation.
Allowing the Port to retire its canines in this manner is modeled after the TSA canine retirement
process. The Port of Seattle purchased its first Air Scent Canines in 2017 and this is the first time
the Port will be retiring one of its canines. All previous canine retirements were TSA-owned and
followed their retirement process.
JUSTIFICATION
The typical working life of a canine ranges widely, mostly dependent on the canine’s health, and
can range anywhere from 1-10 years. Once a canine is eligible to retire, organizations including
the TSA offer the first right of refusal to the current handler. If that handler declines, the dog is
offered to the previous handler and so forth. If no one wants to adopt the canine, it is returned
to the vendor or adopted to friends and/or co-workers.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8b Page 2 of 3
Meeting Date: July 26, 2022
Retirement eligibility of a canine is determined by several factors which can include but is not
limited to age, medical health, cost, and/or behavior. Required paperwork includes a letter from
the veterinarian, official department request and hold harmless documentation.
Port Policy AC-13 contains a provision that informs of the best approach to enable transfer of a
retired Port Police service K9 to its handler. AC-13 paragraph .05 states that: “Surplus property
must not be sold/transferred to any Port Commissioner or Port employee or to members of their
immediate families unless specific approval of the Port Commission is obtained. For example, a
retiring police officer with at least five years of service will be provided the officer’s assigned
service weapon along with a display box as authorized by the Commission via the provision of a
collective bargaining agreement.”
At this time, we are seeking authorization for Officer Jeralyn Berg’s K9 Merlin to be retired from
active duty as an explosive detection canine. K9 Merlin is approximately seven years of age, and
it would not be cost effective in re-assigning him to another active handler. He suffers from
documented medical issues by a veterinarian, making his re-assignment unfeasible. His handler
has agreed to adopt him and has completed the Release of Liability and Hold Harmless
Agreement for Retired Service Animals.
Schedule
Upon approval of authorization by the Commission, the retirement of K9 Merlin will commence
immediately.
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1 – Board K9 Merlin at a local vet hospital that provides 24-hour care.
Cost Implications:
Pros:
(1) Temporary holding area for the K9. Cost to board only, per calendar day= $38.00,
monthly= $1140.00
Cons:
(1) K9 Merlin has documented medical issues (denoted in attachment 1) and boarding
would require additional medical treatment resulting in a significant monetary
expenditure. It would also provide a low quality of life to the K9.
This is not the recommended alternative.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8b Page 3 of 3
Meeting Date: July 26, 2022
Alternative 2 – Retire and release all interest of K9 Merlin and allow for his handler to adopt him.
Cost Implications: None.
Pros:
(1) The Port will not be liable for any cost or care for the K9.
(2) K9 Merlin will be adopted his former handler who would assume all costs associated with
his care and provide a healthy and safe home for the dog.
Cons:
(1) None.
This is the recommended alternative.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The department is not requesting any funds for this authorization.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
(1) Retirement Recommendation Letter from primary veterinarian
(2) POSPD Hold Harmless Agreement
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
January 4, 2022 – The Commission authorized retirement and conveyance of Port-owned K9
Ty to the handler.
