1983 seeking damages and injunctive relief. Miller v. Vohne Liche Kennels, Inc. - casetext.com One, the use of police and military dogs -- the attack dog industry -- exploded after 9-11, which impacted the breeding and training of these dogs. We will not tolerate dishonest contractors who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of federal taxpayers, said U.S. Attorney Thomas Kirsch in a release. BLM focuses on police brutality in regards to firearm and choking deaths. You nailed it, Terry. This dog clearly had very bad training, and Id be willing to bet its like we discussed, cops get the dog and do "too hot" scenario training all the time, no control, choke off, no outs, no frustration tolerance, which is why the dog ate up the cop on the choke off. The sad part is, the failing dogs might be perfectly suited to do something else with the correct retraining (such as cage release or property guards) the same way failed seeing eye dogs are often amazing companion dogs. The lawsuit says the company also inflated labor hours at the U.S. Armys proving grounds in Yuma, Arizona, as well as labor hours performed in Afghanistan by the FSRs. To have standing: To show an injury in fact, the plaintiff must demonstrate a reasonable probability that he will suffer some identifiable harm. Vohne Liche Kennels, Inc., (pronounced Von Lick), is a full service K-9 training facility where the best of the best go for highly trained Police Service Dogs. The two proceeded into a potentially highly confrontational scenario, where no bite event occurs. . She became almost frantic with the taste of it. Thanks. Two years earlier, K-9 Finn had attacked an officer during a training exercise, biting him on the face and neck. Police will eventually be forced to hand over these records to Bailey's attorneys. During the traffic stop, a drug-detection dog was led around Mr. Miller's vehicle. Vohne Liche Kennels - Home - Facebook This dog is being used as a proxy for violence. Lafayette PD Video: We Are All in Trouble When Trained Police K-9s Attack the Head, Neck Regions of Unarmed Suspects. 1983 would still fail and Mr. Miller would have no relief because his claims are barred by the relevant statute of limitations. "Past exposure to illegal conduct does not in itself show a present case or controversy regarding injunctive relief . For me, the question becomes what changed? Maybe Im an idiot, or old-school or something but this is very simple to me. Low near 30F. 226) the Court addressed the similar issue of whether Mr. Miller had standing to seek injunctive relief against former Defendant Paul E. Whitesell. And when around pitbull nutters, preferably one with anti-grip studs. If a handler is so incompetent that the dog will not even do a basic heel, they are not competent enough to handle one that will attack on command. (pronounced Von Lick) is a full service K-9 training facility where the best of the best go for highly trained Police Service Dogs. Further, Mr. Miller became aware of the alleged inadequate training by Defendants while still in the throes of litigation in the Northern District. Also, courage on Colleens part. The dog belonged to the child's stepfather, who was the director of Vohne Liche Kennels Executive and Family Protection. All of the defendants have drug-detection dogs trained by Vohne Liche Kennels Inc. of Denver, Ind., which also was sued. Single Purpose - Vohne Liche Kennels Defendants argue that Mr. Miller lacks standing to seek injunctive relief. K-9 Boyka was released in a "door pop" at 8:24. Vohne Liche Kennels has agreed to pay $1,350,000 to resolve the United States claims under the False Claims Act for fraudulently submitting claims for labor hours for trainers and FSRs involved in the TEDD program. Then the case of Spencer Erickson, 26, in Lakewood, Colorado emerged. These news stories are full of lots of content relating to how the officer grieves the loss of his partner, because of the strong emotional bond that he formed with it. Watching the body cam video should make you weep. These dogs are assisting officers in apprehension and immobilizing suspects.]. Contact us - Vohne Liche Vohne Liche Kennels - Home | Facebook The suspect has an upper left arm bite (3:52), where the dog immobilized him, and bites to his hip through his jeans. The motion is therefore DENIED. Fax: (219) 852-2770. The same analysis and reasoning is applicable to Defendants' current motion. 48. Casetext, Inc. and Casetext are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. . But these are serious dogs mauling people. It means that Pitbull owners are aware that one bite, and their dog is euthanized, no second chancescausing them to act more carefully although they still refuse to muzzle their dogs. In 2013, company owner Ken Licklider and his trainers were featured on a 16-episode reality TV series on Nat Geo Wild called Alpha Dogs. The cast of local trainers made an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman that same year. On June 30, and while he was under investigation, Officer Joshua Saxton was promoted to Sergeant and K-9 Boyka was retired under the auspices that a "supervisor" cannot also be a K-9 handler. Make your practice more effective and efficient with Casetexts legal research suite. That dog's training performed an excellent outcome. A good dog would be calm, awaiting commands. Lafayette, IN - In 2014, our nonprofit began collecting police K-9 attacks of innocent bystanders, non-threatening suspects and low-level offenders. You didnt read the science! Erickson also had outstanding warrants for a DUI and mischief cases. I.C.C., 900 F.2d 1023, 1026 (7th Cir. The main difference between this case and the Northern District litigation is the theory of the violation and choice of defendant. The dog is poorly trained, as is the officerunless hes a brute. Malis are too high drive and once turned ON they often wont turn OFF. "VLK delivers some great dogs to the historic Rikers Island for the New York Department of Corrections. During 2010, the increased demand for military working dog teams in support of the U.S.Armys mission in Afghanistan prompted the need for Tactical Explosive Detection Dogs (TEDDs) with the capability of off-leash explosive detection functions. Police/protection dogs are far more prevalent in some places as well as training has changed. In the three I did watch, the suspects were clearly surrendered and standing or sitting still when out of nowhere the dogs attack. Using dogs for protection work this way is, as far as Im concerned, is overtly abusive to the dog and dangerous to humans. Vohne Liche Kennels, Inc. | LinkedIn Vohne Liche Kennels,Inc. of Denver, Indiana provides training for handlers and canines to perform specialized tasks, such as explosive detection. It is NOT OK to loose a dog like that unless it is truly life and death. Dont kid yourselves. Shimer v. Washington, 100 F.3d 506, 508 (7th Cir. All we ever hear about is police dogs being heroes. (I hate that over-used term.) For example, the plaintiff in City of Los Angeles v. Lyons, 461 U.S. 95 (1983), alleged that he was arrested and subjected illegally to a chokehold, causing him injury. Since when are these powerful, attack TRAINED dogs allowed to maul throats? Thats barely enough training to pass a basic obedience trial at the CKC. He did these big flashy demos before selling crap dogs to Brittney Spears for $50,000 a piece. 1) disarming+holding 2) creating a diversion to allow the handler time to respond. 5 Takeaways From Our Investigation of Indianapolis Police Dogs The Court cannot agree with Mr. Miller that he did not know of his injury prior to January 12, 2010, despite that he lacked knowledge about Defendants' existence. Saxton was given sole ownership of this dog -- removing any future liability to the city. Its not over, yet. HAMMOND - United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II announced today a pre-suit settlement under the False Claims Act for false claims payable under a U.S. Department of Defense Contract for the Tactical Explosive Detection Dogs Program. Was the dog properly deployed? Christy, thanks for the information. Was this dog properly deployed on Bailey? No. "Here, here, here!" "Fraudulent concealment is an equitable doctrine that operates to estop a defendant from asserting the statute of limitations as a bar to a claim whenever the defendant, by his own actions, prevents the plaintiff from obtaining the knowledge necessary to pursue a claim." Mr. Miller contends that once he learned of Vohne Liche existence "efforts to stonewall discovery of information concerning VLK's training regime began in earnest, triggering the fraudulent concealment doctrine" (Dkt. Main Office: Well-trained K9s are very expensive. I doubt if this always occurs. Home [www.vlkennels.com] If you start to follow these cases, you will find these K-9s are rarely taken off the force even when a previous bite has resulted in a lawsuit. 1990). When the dog didnt OUT on the first command, why did they not HANG THE DOG until it let go? R.J. Corman Derailment Serv., Inc. v. Int'l Union of Operating Eng'rs., 335 F.3d 643, 647 (7th Cir. 227) is GRANTED and Mr. Miller's Partial Motion for Summary Judgment (Dkt. Welcome to Vohne Liche Kennels. Members v. Paige, 140 F.3d 699, 702 (7th Cir. Download PDF. 2003). 1998)). The K-9 attack resulted in these bites, which could have been fatal. . Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. On August 15, the members of the board of the Greater Lafayette ACLU penned an editorial and stated in part: "The body cam video shows that the officers permitted the dog to maul Mr. Bailey in the neck. A plaintiff seeking an injunction, such as Mr. Miller seeks here, must show a significant likelihood and immediacy of sustaining some direct injury. The dog remained on active duty afterward. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzYOpaaxtAA, Thats what happens when youre armed with a soft drink. How a Loudoun Co. family's year-round holiday lights sparked a lawsuit Miami County dog shines in 2022 Hollywood filmClick to view YouTube VideoABC News Article. Vohne Liche Kennels (pronounced Von Lick) is a full service K-9 training facility where the best of the best go for highly trained Police Service Dogs. At that point, he may have pulled straight up, strangling it to force the release because from what I can see, the dog is much higher in the air than it is while he is agitating it. Thanks to technology there are far better methods of doing many kinds of work than using a dog. The attack begins at 8:28. The whole K-9 unit was suspended afterward. On June 8, 2012, because Mr. Miller lacked subject matter jurisdiction or failed to state a claim, the Court terminated the action against all municipalities and political subdivisions. Police, in general now, have been overly militarized and have proven time and time again, they are too unstable to handle even basic weapons. See Behavioral Inst. I remember seeing info on a couple of dog attacks in Canada when the K9s were released to seek a suspicious person but found an innocent bystander and mauled them. Also know that the dog involved, K-9 Boyka, was a Vohne Liche Kennels dog. #k9 #vlkproud #vohnelichekennels #k9unit. He had several options at this point. A belligerent drunk man on a moped does not authorize a straight up door pop because you cannot influence the dog at all in such a scenario, dog just comes out teeth first and brains last. Thanks for covering one of my favourite rant topics Colleen! The confrontation starts at 6:28. Bailey's injuries resulted in him being in a medically induced coma for six days and hospitalized for 11 days, according to his attorneys. "A Star Tribune review of six years worth of St. Paul police dog bite reports showed that officers lost control of their K-9s on occasion, dogs regularly apprehended people with no instruction from handlers and that some bystanders were attacked while officers were following common practices." Yet, despite the strong emotional feelings for his K-9, the officer is forced to shoot his dog. Police dogs in the USA get most of their training overseas. This is something pitbull owners never do during attacks, either. Here, the facts known to Mr. Miller-such as the existence of this theory as early as November 2009-even from the viewpoint of a pro se plaintiff, were sufficient to indicate discovery of his claims against Vohne Liche and AWD. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office released a statement to address what it called "misinformation" circulating in the media regarding the two cases. Next: I recall national news stories about how police K-9 handlers are forced to be required to shoot their own trained K-9s when their own K-9 attacks its own handler. "There are no human rights in these countries, which could influence the training style to skew towards a high level of aggression/lethal bite targeting of head and neck." Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Vohne Liche Kennels was sub-contracted in 2011 to provide personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and nonpersonal services for the creation and operation of a training program for both military handlers and dogs for the TEDD program. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. Should the officer have been promoted two months after the attack? My feedback on the Lafayette Police Department K-9 neck attack. Nor were there deceptive or fraudulent acts. The film opened in theaters Feb. 18. Plaintiff Kevin D. Miller, pro se ("Mr. Miller"), filed this lawsuit against Defendants Vohne Liche Kennels, Inc. ("Vohne Liche") and American Working Dogs United, Inc. ("AWD") (collectively, "Defendants"), under 42 U.S.C. That we know of anyway! I remember when I saw people training their dogs with treats. Dont get me wrong, I trained them and worked with them for years but I respect them and I saw what happened when handling was about ego as well as the bond of a really good dog partner. Dog bites rarely get reported here, at all, either unless something is odd about the story. Therefore, Defendants' motion for summary judgment on the damages claim is GRANTED. The head and neck attacks are increasing as well, subjecting these suspects to potential death. DENVER Vohne Liche Kennels, a dog-training facility in northern Miami County, has agreed to pay $1.35 million to the federal government to settle a lawsuit claiming the company filed false claims on a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. This is a story for 60 Minutes. In 2016, another dog trained in apprehension and bite work, a retired police K-9, attacked two people, killing one in San Luis Obispo County, California. LMPD officers Maverick, Ripley, and Luna participated in the 2021 K9 Olympics, taking place at Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Indiana. Once trained, my dogs would heel with a regular leather collar. Pro se litigants must receive proper notice regarding the meaning and consequences of a summary judgment motion, but must still adhere to the dictates of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. In the case of Carlos Balli, he was unarmed, but not a low-level offender. Aside from that (or, in addition to that), the roachback look has been an unnecessary and terribly ruinous direction in which to breed these dogs. Recently, Vohne Liche was forced to pay $1.35 million to the U.S. Department of Defense for fraudulently submitting claims for labor hours for trainers. And that dog had access to arms and legs and targeted the neck. Banning, California 92220. Failure to employ correct K-9 techniques and a lack of training in de-escalation techniques is already placing entire K-9 departments at risk. Back to Top 2023 Vohne Liche Kennels Tweets by @@KennyLicklider VLK West But that video, the first method, the German method that was what I learned when I took a dog to an old-fashioned obedience class. In the context of considering whether the two-year statute of limitations for those actions had expired, the court explained that the defendant could amend his complaint, i.e., the Rule 41(g) motion, to add a Bivens or 1983 claim, and the addition would relate back to the original filing that was within the applicable statute of limitations. It was work. (quoting Fager v. Hundt, 610 N.E.2d 246, 251 (Ind. 1999). Also, I see that you are very knowledgeable in this area, your posts are very informative. The problem with Bouviers and Rottweilers are, although they are far more temperamentally suited in many cases, they tend to be one-person dogs and it is costly to train a dog where it needs to be with the handler from puppyhood (or at least 10-11 months) and trained with the handler for another year to get the best result.