In a terse statement about the Dec. 26 incident involving the police dog Arago, San Leandro police said, "The department has determined that the canine's handler did not follow proper procedures related to Arago's control and supervision."
The department said "the handler has taken responsibility for this incident" but said further details of their administrative investigation are confidential and exempt from disclosure pursuant to state law.
Police spokesman Lt. Jeff Tudor referred inquiries to San Leandro City Attorney Jayne Williams, who wasn't immediately available for comment.
Adam Lovell said he was walking Chloe, his 6-year-old Finnish Spitz, on a leash along a trail behind his house in Brentwood when the dog was attacked by Arago, who is one of three San Leandro police dogs. Arago's handler was not present and the police dog was being walked by someone else.
Lovell said Arago bit Chloe in the back, above her tail, and wouldn't let go. He rushed Chloe to a veterinarian for emergency surgery but she died two days later.
