Former Stephens County Deputy Charged With Animal Cruelty

<p>A former Oklahoma deputy has been criminally charged in the death of his K9 partner.&nbsp;</p>

Monday, August 29th 2016, 4:28 pm

By: News 9


A former Oklahoma deputy has been criminally charged in the death of his K9 partner.

Stephens County prosecutors filed animal cruelty charges against former Stephens County Deputy Matthew Peck late Monday afternoon.

According to court records, Peck was called to a traffic stop on the evening Aug. 3. During the stop, his K9 partner, Bak, was used to search the vehicle.

Prosecutors said when Peck returned home from the call he failed to let K9 Bak out of the patrol car.

Bak was found dead on Aug. 5.

A local veterinarian said the 8-year-old dog was in good health and could have "easily survived through the night," according to court documents.

Court records indicate the K9 was left without food, water and cool air for 38 hours. 

The temperature in Duncan averaged 99 degrees during that time, according to the probable cause affidavit.

The veterinarian said it sounded like Bak died from a heat stroke, and once the temperatures rose to more than 105 degrees inside the vehicle, Bak would have no chance of survival, according to court documents. 

Prosecutors claim K9 handlers have extensive training and it is the duty of such handlers to ensure their partner's need are met. 

Peck is expected to appear in court late Monday afternoon. 

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