The dog fight in New London is apparently over. At least for now.
Even though the city is facing big money problems, council members voted unanimously Monday night to keep the police department's K-9 units.
Now it goes to Mayor Justin Daryl Finizio's desk where he has 10 days to sign or veto it.
"We lost it once, please don't let this happen again," said Carl Lee of New London, who along with other residents, feels the K-9 unit has become a tool of the trade. "Don't deprive our city residents of the importance of the work they do for us."
"The benefit of a strong canine unit to our public safety structure can't be overstated. If we get rid of the program, we eliminate it," said Dan McSparran of New London.
The unanimous city council vote for the ordinance mandates there be four dogs in the unit, provided Mayor Finizio signs off on it.
"We do have a demonstrated need for it," said City Councilman Adam Sprecace. "We've had the K-9 division in the city for a great number of years and when it is operating properly, I think it does everyone in this city a service."
"I think it's an asset to the city. I think it's an asset to officers," said councilman Anthony Nolan.
But not everyone believed the K-9 division to be an asset.
"And I feel the k-9 unit will be more of a liability to the city of New London than to provide public safety," said resident Debbie Phillips.
Some council members initially expressed reservations about the wording of the ordinance, but ultimately voted to approve it.
Mayor Finizio, on the other hand, made clear that he doesn't think a K-9 unit is necessary.
"Four dogs in 6.46 square mile city. A four-dog K-9 unit. Why four? Why not two? Why not three?" Finizio said, adding that the city has already lost more than $2 million in its public safety budget.
His concern is patrol strength and new technology for law enforcement.
"Do we want to put our limited resources toward more dogs instead of starting the hiring process?" Finizio asked.
The ordinance again now goes to the mayor's office. If he vetoes it, the ordinance will go back to the council, which can override the veto.
Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com