PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD — A Prince George’s County Police Department officer, Corporal David Acosta, has been charged with three counts of animal cruelty.
The charges stem from his alleged mistreatment of two police dogs assigned to him, a two-year-old bloodhound named Daisy and a seven-year-old Belgian Malinois named Spartacus.
The situation came to light when, on July 14, 2024, following an unrelated suspension, two Canine Section handlers were directed to retrieve the dogs from Corporal Acosta.
They noticed injuries on Daisy, consistent with misuse of an e-collar, and immediately sought veterinary care for her and Spartacus. Both dogs showed signs of neglect, prompting an internal investigation by the department’s Internal Affairs Division.
Chief Malik Aziz expressed his dismay, noting that this incident was unprecedented in the 60-year history of the Canine Section. He affirmed that new policies have been implemented to prevent future occurrences, ensuring the well-being of all canines in the department.
These include weekly visual inspections, bi-monthly in-depth checks during training sessions, and bi-annual kennel inspections, with all findings to be thoroughly documented.
Corporal Acosta, who has been with the PGPD since 2006 and is assigned to the Special Operations Division, faces one felony charge among the three levied against him. He has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation. Daisy and Spartacus have since been reassigned to experienced handlers within the unit.
The police department is calling for anyone with relevant information to come forward and contact the Internal Affairs Division at 301-516-5721. The investigation is still active, and the department is committed to a thorough and transparent resolution.