Questions surrounding future of Mississippi police dog spur debate on social media – Magnolia State Live [Video]

Questions surrounding the future of a Mississippi police dog following the resignation of her longtime handler have spurred a debate on social media in recent weeks.

Vicksburg Police Chief Police Penny Jones addressed the issue at a recent press conference. 

While the majority of public comments have been in favor of Nadia—a Belgian malinois trained for narcotics work—being able to “retire” and continue living with former Vicksburg Police Investigator Matt Barnes, VPD leadership has denied the request, citing age, cost, and other factors as reasons the canine should remain in the police department’s service.

During the press conference held Monday, Jones laid out her reasons for denying Barnes’ request to keep Nadia following his resignation from the department on April 5.

“This is such a delicate situation,” Jones said. “Nadia is six years old, soon to be seven. She still has a lot of work in her.”

Jones, along with the canine officer …