Mills Officer Gets Probation in K9 Death

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A Wyoming police officer has been sentenced to six months on probation for the death of a police dog who was left in a patrol car for more than six hours in July as outside temperatures rose to 86 degrees.

Zachary Miller pleaded guilty on Nov. 6 to misdemeanor animal cruelty for the July 9 death of Nyx, a 10-year-old Labrador retriever that had been with the Mills Police Department since 2006.

A judge ordered Miller to pay $3,000 in restitution to the Town of Mills, but said the amount would be lowered to $2,200 if Miller completes 100 hours of community service at Metro Animal Control.

Miller was suspended with pay for a week after the dog's death.

Police Chief Bryon Preciado has said police dogs are allowed in the station.