Law enforcement officials warn that around a hundred drug-sniffing dogs might be possibly euthanized if recreational marijuana use becomes legalized in the state of Illinois.
Legalization Over Life
As it stands, several media outlets have portrayed the authorities as the bad guys based on their statement. However, several sources claim it was taken out of context. Initial reactions against the declaration were obviously negative as it sounded like the deaths of the dogs are being used as threats against the legalization of the drug.
On the flipside, it appears that the police officers are, in fact, worried that their 4-legged partners lose their job and will be possibly retired from the force. As these dogs are specially trained to serve their purpose, being put up for adoption is out of the question. Furthermore, if their handler cannot take care of them, it's a likely scenario wherein the dog is put to sleep.
An Ongoing Debate
The legalization of recreational marijuana has yet to be approved as Illinois lawmakers debate over the possibility of being the 10th state to approve its legal use. In 2016, the possession of up to 10 grams of the drug, which was considered small, was decriminalized. Those caught were required by the state to pay a fine of $100 up to $200.
Additionally, the state likewise implemented a pilot program for medical marijuana back in 2015. Only a few conditions were listed to qualify for its usage and it is scheduled to expire in 2020. Vocal supporters of the reform claim that the legalization of the drug for recreational use will bring in more revenue.
Those who are in the opposition argue that cannabis is possibly a gateway drug that can lead users to experiment with other prohibited substances. They also point out that federal law classifies pot as schedule 1 drug, the same as LSD and heroin.
In the meantime, Steve Petrilli, assistant police chief of the Normal Police Department and a K-9 handler with eight years of experience, believes that retraining is impossible.
"At this point, they're trained on five different odors. Once they're programmed with that, you can't just deprogram them," explained Petrilli. "I think the implications of that would be huge."
Euthanasia Not Necessary
The law enforcement officials express their concern over the estimated 275 trained drug search dogs. A report from The Washington Post, however, points out that nine states have already legalized marijuana but there is no recorded news of mass euthanasia done on drug-sniffing dogs.
