Salem County K-9s died in a hot SUV — now their own handler faces charges

🔴Two Salem County Sheriff's Office K-9s died in their handler's SUV

🔴Investigators said the dogs were left for hours in a non-air-conditioned vehicle

🔴Sgt. Cody Henderson has been suspended as Rip and Boomer are mourned

SALEM — The officer in charge of two Salem County Sheriff’s Office K-9s has been charged with their death after leaving them alone in his non-air-conditioned vehicle for 7 hours.

Sgt. Cody Henderson found his dogs — Rip, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, and Boomer, a 6-year-old springer spaniel — unconscious in his police vehicle on May 29 while he was on duty. He brought them to a veterinarian in Delaware, where they were pronounced dead. Their cause of death was likely hyperthermia/heat stroke.

New Jersey 101.5 Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow said May 29 was a sunny day with temperatures reaching the upper 70s by afternoon.

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Sgt. Cody Henderson and K9 Boomer during a demonstration in 2023

Sheriff honors Rip and Boomer after their deaths

Following an investigation by the Salem County Prosecutor's Office, Henderson was charged with:

• 2 counts of purposely, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to a living animal by failing to provide the living animal with necessary care, resulting in death.
• Infliction of unnecessary cruelty upon a living animal by leaving the living animal unattended in a vehicle under inhumane conditions
• Failure to provide the living animal with necessary care
• Unlawful cruel restraint of a dog in a manner that exposes the dog to adverse environmental conditions for more than 30 minutes.

Officials said Henderson had arrived at his office in Salem County around 8:30 a.m. in his Chevrolet Tahoe. The SUV did not leave its parking spot all day and was in view of Henderson.

The air conditioner had been repaired in April but a leak was due to be checked.

The name of Henderson's attorney was not disclosed in court documents.

Sheriff Chuck Miller said that Henderson has been suspended.

"Rip and Boomer exemplified the highest standards of service, loyalty, and dedication. Their contributions to public safety and their commitment to duty will not be forgotten," Miller said. "The loss of these loyal partners has had a profound impact on our agency, our law enforcement community, and the citizens they faithfully served. We continue to honor the memory and service of Rip and Boomer and extend our thoughts to all those affected by this tragic loss."

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