Retired K-9 KILLS Chief’s 3-Year-Old!

A retired police dog trained for narcotics detection fatally attacked a Colorado police chief’s 3-year-old daughter, prompting a statewide review of K-9 retirement policies.

At a Glance

• Burlington Police Chief Nathan Hill’s daughter was killed by retired K-9 Draco on August 12, 2025
• Draco was a German Shepherd trained only for drug detection, not aggression or apprehension
• The dog was retired after Cheyenne County ended its K-9 program in June 2025
• Officials report no prior aggression in Draco’s service or retirement record
• The incident has sparked debate on K-9 rehoming safety protocols

Fatal Incident in Burlington

Burlington, Colorado, a community of roughly 4,200 residents, is reeling after a rare fatal attack by a retired police K-9. On August 12, 2025, Burlington Police Chief Nathan Hill’s young daughter was found unresponsive in the family’s backyard. Emergency responders transported her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Draco, a German Shepherd previously used in narcotics detection, was euthanized shortly after the incident. Kit Carson County Sheriff Travis Beldon confirmed that when deputies arrived, Draco was secured in a kennel and not actively attacking. Authorities have not yet disclosed the circumstances that led to the fatal encounter or what may have triggered the dog’s behavior. The investigation is ongoing, and no criminal charges have been filed.

Watch now: Police Chief’s Daughter Killed by Retired K-9 · YouTube

Background of the Retired K-9

Draco served with the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office as a narcotics detection dog until June 19, 2025, when the county discontinued its K-9 program. He was trained solely for locating illegal substances and was not used in patrol, bite work, or other apprehension roles associated with aggression.

Following his retirement, Draco was transferred to the Burlington Police Department and placed in Chief Hill’s personal care. K-9 handlers and law enforcement trainers note that detection dogs are typically chosen for their stable temperaments and low likelihood of aggressive incidents. Fatal attacks involving retired detection dogs are extremely rare, making this case an unprecedented situation for Colorado law enforcement.

Policy Questions and Public Safety

While the investigation continues, law enforcement officials and animal behavior experts are examining what could have led to Draco’s behavior. Reports indicate no documented history of aggression during his active duty or retirement. Experts caution that even well-trained dogs can act unpredictably, particularly during environmental changes or periods of stress.

This tragedy has prompted discussions within the law enforcement community about whether existing retirement and rehoming protocols are sufficient. Some agencies may now consider additional behavioral assessments, mandatory transition monitoring, or restrictions on placing retired service animals in homes with small children.

Nationally, most retired police dogs integrate successfully into family life, but this case has exposed potential gaps in safeguarding communities from rare but serious incidents. Agencies across the country may review their policies to balance honoring a service animal’s career with ensuring public safety.

Sources

Police1

CBS News Colorado

Burlington Police Department