A mass protest is being held in downtown Circleville next week in an effort to reunite an officer with his K-9. In addition, a petition has been launched.
Harry, a Belgian Malinois, is property of the City of Circleville. He was assigned to Officer Rob Morningstar. Morningstar recently left the city and became a deputy Sheriff with the Pickaway County Sheriff’s office.
His wife, Amie, was also once employed by the city as a firefighter. She posted online this week saying that the city told the Morningstar family that they could keep Harry after the family offered to pay full retail value and reimburse the city for any training or expenses for Harry. When off-duty, K-9 dogs stay with their handlers 24/7 and become a member of the family.
When Morningstar departed the city, the administration reportedly agreed to the deal. However, recently, after a couple weeks of Harry being at home with the Morningstar family, the city administration changed their minds and confiscated Harry, according to a viral social media posting.
The Guardian left messages with Circleville Police Chief Shawn Baer to get the city’s side of this story, but so far, we have not heard back.
On Tuesday, the Circleville City Council will hold their regular scheduled meeting. Locals have organized a “peaceful picketing protest” in front of town hall before the meeting.
According to an online event listing, the event titled, “Bring Harry Home protest!” begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, an hour before the meeting starts.
“We are hosting a peaceful picketing protest in downtown before the start of the meeting,” the listing reads. “Just a few minutes before the meeting, we will make our way in a parade to council chambers to make our voices civilly heard.”
In addition, the group has launched a Facebook page and an online petition addressed to the city’s mayor, city council, and the police chief.
The Guardian will be there and we’ll cover the events as they unfold.
