The Chief of Customs, Elisaia Pita Elisaia has confirmed that an internal investigation is underway into the death of one of the customs canines, Benny, last month.
KHJ News was informed that Benny had been left in a customs vehicle in sweltering heat for several hours on August 31. It appears that his customs handler had forgotten the four legged agent in the vehicle and it died by the time the customs vehicle was opened.
Benny has been with the Customs Division since 2014.
Responding to KHJ News questions, Customs Chief Elisara said an internal investigation is underway and based on the findings he will recommend a course of action.
He added that Customs K9 handlers are currently in training with their new canine partners in the U.S.
Upon completion of their training they will return with their canine partners.
Sources in Treasury tell KHJ News there’s some dissatisfaction among the ranks that Benny’s handler, a senior customs agent, is not being disciplined.
