Who is the real son of a bitch here!

Got this from both PoliceOne.com and Police.com. A former officer is facing charges of animal cruelty on his K9 partner. At the time he was rescued, Ingo was 25 pounds below normal weight.

SALINAS -- A former Watsonville police dog has been seized by the SPCA for Monterey County and its owner, a former Watsonville police officer, is facing misdemeanor charges.

The severely emaciated and dehydrated dog, a German shepherd, belonged to former Watsonville officer Francisco Ibarra.

Ibarra was fired by the Watsonville Police Department in 2010 "for cause". Last week, Ibarra filed suit against the city.

Sgt. Stacy Sanders of the SPCA said an anonymous tip led them to Ibarra's Salinas home where they found Ingo, who weighed just 55 pounds, about 25 pounds less than a healthy 5-year-old German shepherd should weigh.

Ingo's hips and ribs were prominently showing and there was no food in the backyard.

Ibarra was given 24 hours to respond to the SPCA. When he did not, officers seized Ingo on Feb. 17. Within a day or two Ingo passed sand, dirt and grass, which he'd ingested...."

...He is slowly recovering and gaining weight on a specialized diet on a prescribed feeding schedule," according to Beth Brookhouser of the SPCA.

Just one month later, Ingo has gained 15 pounds...

...What will happen to Ingo remains uncertain. Sanders said their main concern is to nurse Ingo back to health. Then they will determine whether he is adoptable. She said there are several options, but that it will be awhile before those decisions are made.

"He is doing much better, doing great, getting attention every day," Sanders said. "He's enjoying life."

In spite of being a highly trained law enforcement dog, Sanders said Ingo will find a new home and a new life.

"We won't euthanize him," she said.

Ibarra, a 15-year veteran, was fired by the Watsonville Police Department in 2010...

Ingo when he was rescued

Another one right after he was saved.

Ingo today

The articles in PoliceOne.com and Police.com have some real direct comments. Put it politely the cops out here want to kick the handler's ass! What's really repulsive is the fact the dog would have protected this SOS with his life.

Thankfully Ingo is safe and doing better. And I think he will prevent his former handler from getting a job!