TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF K-9 MAKO BY WAY OF ADOPTION
AGREEMENT TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF K-9 MAKO
BYWAY OF ADOPTION TO OFFICER ETHRIDGE HALL
This Agreement is made and entered into between the City of Clearwater, Florida,
hereinafter the "City," and Officer Ethridge Hall.
WHEREAS, K-9 Mako is of retirement age (7 years) and will be of no use to the
city, to any other police department, or to any security agency; and
WHEREAS, the life expectancy of a working police dog is between 10 and 14
years; and
WHEREAS, it would be impossible for anyone to gain the knowledge and
compatibility that was gained by the handler/canine team during approximately
five years of canine work; and
WHEREAS, K-9 Mako is exhibiting health problems related to his lower spine
and hindquarters and has slowed down a great deal as a direct result; and
WHEREAS, K-9 Mako is a certified police canine trained to apprehend suspects
and will not make a good pet for anyone; and
WHEREAS, K-9 Mako is handler sensitive and will respond poorly to another
individual (he has been partnered with Officer Hall for approximately 5 years and
is clearly set in his ways; he will not allow anyone else to handle him; and he is a
one handler dog, as police canines are trained to be); and
WHEREAS, K-9 Mako is equipment orientated and will become aggressive to
anyone else holding or touching what he perceives to be his equipment, including
his leash, water and food bowls, collar, or kennel; and
WHEREAS, K-9 Mako has worked for the police department for approximately
five years -- typical for a K-9; and
WHEREAS, K-9 Mako clearly has earned his retirement with the handler that has
taken care of him throughout his career and should be resting at home; and
WHEREAS, the only alternative to placement of K-9 Mako is euthanasia; and
WHEREAS, Section 2.624(1), Code of Clearwater, authorizes the City Manager
to dispense with the bidding requirements for the disposal of surplus property
and to dispose of the property as the City Manager deems necessary when the
value of the property does not exceed $500.00. Moreover, Section 2.624(3),
Code of Clearwater, authorizes the City to dispense with the bidding
requirements and to dispose of the property as deemed necessary when the item
can be sold or otherwise disposed of through only one source.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises contained in the
Agreement, the parties agree as follows:
1. The City agrees to transfer ownership of K-9 Mako to Officer Ethridge Hall by
way of adoption.
2. Officer Ethridge Hall agrees to assume ownership and all responsibility for the
care of K-9 Mako.
3. Officer Ethridge Hall agrees to indemnify and hold the City harmless from any
and all claims, suits, judgments, and liability for death, personal injury, or
property damage attributable to the dog's actions occurring after the
Agreement is executed by both parties, including legal fees, court costs, and
other legal expenses.
4. The transfer is effective upon the execution of this Agreement by both parties.
CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
By.~d~
illiam B. Horne, II
City Manager
Approved as to form:
v?j~~ !J~Jf;
Robert J. rette
Assistant ty Attorney
Attest:
ia E. Goedeau --,
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Date