Police K-9 found dead after going missing from handler’s home

Authorities say one of their police dogs has died after going missing from his handler's home. (Source: KCRG)
Published: Feb. 25, 2025 at 5:40 PM MST
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LISBON, Iowa (KCRG/Gray News) - A search for a missing police dog in Iowa has come to a tragic end.

According to the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department, a K-9 named Monster went missing from his handler’s home after 10 p.m. Monday

The department said his disappearance prompted a search that included drones but they were unable to find him.

First responders said they ended up finding a dog’s body, later identified as Monster, submerged in a partially ice-covered pond Tuesday morning.

“K-9 Monster has served in our department for the past seven years. He has made an impact on every officer, staff member and the community,” Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Chief Douglas Shannon said.

The Mount Vernon-Libson Sun reported that Monster was let outside that Monday night for a bathroom break by his handler who was also getting wood for a wood-burning stove,

The officer left Monster in the backyard for a few minutes as he prepared the firewood, but when he returned, Monster was reportedly missing.

“K-9 Monster was a tremendous asset to our department and the community he served,” Shannon said.