Drug dog’s death still a mystery

By CAITLIN SULLIVAN/Staff

Officials still don’t know what might have killed Gunner, the Damascus Police Department’s 5-year-old German shepherd drug dog who died mysteriously last month.

According to a necropsy conducted by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in Wytheville, Virginia Tech and at the University of Pennsylvania, the final diagnostic was inconclusive.

“No traces of poisons or toxins were detected,” Virginia State Police Sgt. M.T. Conroy said. “The report also noted that some substances could change form, dissipate or be undetected.”

Conroy said the State Police investigation into the dog’s death found no obvious signs of neglect.

“The dog appeared to be well cared for,” Conroy said. “I hope this puts to rest some concerns that the public has.”

Conroy noted that the Damascus Police Department requested the State Police’s help.

Damascus Police Chief John Rouse said he’s relieved no foul play was involved in the dog’s death.

“I’m glad to know no one poisoned it; that was my biggest concern,” Rouse said. “We’re all still disturbed that the dog died. People and animals both fall over on a regular basis; at least it was a natural death.”

Conroy said the investigation is still open and the Virginia State Police will follow up on any leads.

Rouse said the Damascus Police Department plans to have another certified drug dog by November.