Boonville Board accepts donated certified therapy dog for police department and adopts policy

The Boonville Board of Works voted to accept the donation of a certified therapy dog to the Booneville Police Department and to adopt a therapy-dog policy governing the animal’s use.

Staff and the police chief described the program as intended for school visits, community outreach and assistance with trauma victims. According to meeting remarks, donor Casey Miller purchased the dog, completed the required training and certified the animal for therapy work; the donor agreed to donate the dog to the city so the department could carry insurance while the dog is on duty.

Staff noted a donor condition in the donation documents that, once the dog retires, the donor be authorized to repurchase the animal for $1. The board approved accepting the dog and adopting the policy with that condition noted; staff said the city attorney would review donation paperwork and insurance arrangements before final transfer.

The board recorded the motion and approved the policy by voice vote. Next steps include final legal review and processing of the donation paperwork before formal city ownership of the dog and insurance coverage become effective.