AR-News: (CA - US) California Cops Get Extra Pay for Dog Care

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California Cops Get Extra Pay for Dog Care  
UPDATED - Tuesday January 27, 2004 5:23pm  
 
  
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (AP) - Police canine handlers are getting extra pay for feeding, walking and washing their dogs. 

Four officers claimed it's worth an hour's pay each day, but the city balked and said it shouldn't take more than 20 minutes. 

The police officers took the dispute to court and the six-year dispute is over: The city has agreed to pay the four officers about $30,000 each in back pay and damages, plus $175,400 to cover their attorney fees. 

The settlement must still be approved by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals because the city appealed the case. 

"We thought we had a very, very solid case on appeal," Assistant City Attorney Scott Field said. "But sometimes it's best to put matters to (rest)." 

There have been changes since filing of the 1998 lawsuit. Two of the officers left the department and all four police dogs are now buried at Sea Breeze Pet Cemetery. 

"I was pretty irritated with the whole thing having to get to this point," retired Officer Dennis Plymale said. 

The police union has since negotiated new contracts that compensate officers for 15 hours a month, or 30 minutes a day, to care for police dogs, with overtime for extra veterinary visits and training.