JASPER (Network Indiana) — A state trooper is accused of beating his K-9 partner. State Police say Trooper Dustan Rubenacker, 29, hit his partner Odin, when he wouldn’t focus properly during training.
A news release says it happened in front of several witnesses March 17, in Jasper, and the dog had a fracture to his leg that may keep him from returning to police work.
Some of the witnesses to what state police call “unreasonable discipline”, were other K-9 officers and partners.
Odin was taken to the vet after the incident, where the fracture was diagnosed.
Rubenacker was placed on administrative leave and faces a misdemeanor charge of striking a law enforcement animal. He is due to face a judge July 6.
