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Salem County Sheriffs Officer Charged in Hot Car Deaths of 2 K-9s
Prosecutors say Cody Henderson left the dogs in a vehicle for 7 hours without proper ventilation, and a necropsy found likely heat stroke.
K-9 Sergeant Cody Henderson faces animal cruelty charges after his assigned K-9s, K-9 Officer Rip and K-9 Officer Boomer, died in his police vehicle on May 29, 2026, prosecutors announced Tuesday.
Investigators determined the dogs died from hyperthermia after Henderson left them unattended for seven hours without ventilation, as outside temperatures in Salem County reached 81 degrees.
Prosecutors allege the vehicle was not running, windows remained closed, no emergency alert system was activated, and Henderson failed to use "immediately available" indoor kennels, according to prosecutors.
Henderson is currently suspended from duty pending the outcome of criminal proceedings, with court documents showing he is scheduled to appear in Salem County Court on July 30.
The Salem County Sheriff's Office stated it "remains deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our K-9 partners," while confirming ongoing cooperation with criminal and internal investigations.