Maryland Cop Facing Charges for Mistreating Two K-9 Police Dogs

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD — A Prince George’s County Police Department officer, Corporal David Acosta, has been charged with three counts of animal cruelty.

The charges stem from his alleged mistreatment of two police dogs assigned to him, a two-year-old bloodhound named Daisy and a seven-year-old Belgian Malinois named Spartacus.

The situation came to light when, on July 14, 2024, following an unrelated suspension, two Canine Section handlers were directed to retrieve the dogs from Corporal Acosta.

They noticed injuries on Daisy, consistent with misuse of an e-collar, and immediately sought veterinary care for her and Spartacus. Both dogs showed signs of neglect, prompting an internal investigation by the department’s Internal Affairs Division.

Chief Malik Aziz expressed his dismay, noting that this incident was unprecedented in the 60-year history of the Canine Section. He affirmed that new policies have be...