A public controversy has erupted after the Brown County Sheriff’s Office removed a police dog, K9 Dorian, from his long-time handler, Deputy Beau Berger. Following a flood of community concern and media attention, Sheriff Todd Delain issued a detailed statement defending the decision and clarifying the circumstances surrounding the separation.
Sheriff Responds to Emotional Public Reaction
Sheriff Delain’s letter, released publicly on May 31, addressed growing criticism over the department’s decision to transition six-year-old K9 Dorian to a new handler. Many community members had rallied behind Deputy Berger, urging the department to allow the dog to retire and live out the rest of his life with his original handler.
However, Delain stated unequivocally that the decision was based on professional standards, department policy, and the wellbeing of the K9 unit.
“These dogs are purchased, trained, and deployed as tools to assist in protecting the citizens of Brown County,” the sheriff wrote. “They are not pets. They are working law enforcement resources, and they belong to the county.”
Timeline of Events
According to the sheriff’s statement, Deputy Berger met with Sheriff Delain on April 17 to express his desire to either personally purchase K9 Dorian or have another agency purchase the dog. Berger explained that he planned to take a new position with another law enforcement agency and wanted to continue working with Dorian.
Sheriff Delain declined the request, stating that Dorian was not for sale. On May 6, Berger officially accepted a new position at another agency, with an effective date of June 23. He went on paternity leave on May 3 and did not return to work after that date.
In the weeks that followed, the department reportedly attempted to coordinate a transition of K9 Dorian to another deputy. When Berger did not respond to efforts from the department, the sheriff’s office contacted his union to arrange for the retrieval of both the K9 and the patrol vehicle. On May 30, deputies arrived at Berger’s home to collect the dog and squad car—an event that was filmed and widely circulated on social media.
Health and Fitness of K9 Dorian
One of the central points of debate has been the health status of K9 Dorian. Supporters of Berger claimed the dog was in pain and should be retired. However, a veterinary assessment conducted by Dr. Margaret Eastman of the Animal Hospital of Ashwaubenon on May 29 found Dorian to be in good health and physically capable of continuing his law enforcement duties.
In her written evaluation, Dr. Eastman stated:
“Dorian has no medical issues that would require him to be retired. His physical examination, bloodwork, and overall body condition were within normal limits for an active police K9.”
The sheriff’s office emphasized that Dorian remains an essential and functioning member of their K9 unit and will be reassigned to a new handler.
Offers to Retire the K9 Rejected
Following public outcry, several citizens and advocacy organizations offered to raise funds to buy Dorian and retire him with Berger. Wisconsin Vest-a-Dog, a non-profit supporting K9 units across the state, reportedly offered $20,000 toward that goal.
Sheriff Delain responded that while the department appreciated the support, the dog was not available for sale at any price. He emphasized that the county follows a strict policy of not selling K9s, even for emotional or personal reasons.
We do not use working dogs as bargaining chips,” the sheriff stated. “These dogs are trained and purchased with taxpayer dollars, and we maintain consistency in how they are transitioned when handlers leave the department.
Previous Transitions Highlighted
The sheriff’s office pointed out that K9 transitions are not uncommon in law enforcement and have been done successfully before. The department has had six K9s in the last two decades, with five handler transitions occurring without incident.
The sheriff said that Berger’s departure triggered a standard protocol to transition the K9 to a new handler. While the timing and media coverage heightened emotions, the actions taken were consistent with established procedures.
Community Divided
The situation has sparked a divide within the Brown County community. Some residents are demanding that Dorian be retired and reunited with Berger, calling it a moral and compassionate decision. Others support the sheriff’s stance that the dog is a working resource and should remain in service.
A petition to return the dog to Berger has gained traction online, gathering thousands of signatures within days. Meanwhile, Sheriff Delain maintains that the office must act in the best interests of public safety and department integrity.
