KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Savannah Police Department confirmed on Monday that one of its K-9s, Officer Horus, tragically died last Thursday after being left in a hot car overnight.

According to Savannah Chief of Police David Vincent, K-9 Horus died following the completion of his overnight patrol shift in the small town where he had served his community for over three years.

According to Chief Vincent, “Horus’s death is currently being investigated.”

“Due to this being an open investigation, there will be no further information released until the investigation is completed. The entire department would appreciate your thoughts and prayers, as we deal with the loss of our partner, Horus,” he said.

Since K-9 Horus’s death, the community of Savannah and many others have been expressing their outrage and seeking justice for the loss of the young German Shepherd’s life on social media.

The big questions many people want answered in this case are whether the police officer and caretaker of Horus will be held accountable in a Missouri court of law, if the police department will reprimand or revoke the officer’s law enforcement license, and if the officer accidentally or intentionally killed the K-9.

The Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney Monica J. Morrey has taken on the case and told FOX4:

“The Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is deeply saddened to learn of K-9 Horus’ passing. We are grateful to him for his service to our community. I have requested a special investigation through the Missouri State Highway Patrol. I will await the results of this investigation prior to making any determination of necessary action.“

Although the investigation is ongoing, a bill was recently sent to Gov. Mike Parson’s desk called Max’s Law. It was created after a St. Joseph K-9 was killed in the line of duty in 2021 and would increase penalties for injuring and killing animals in law enforcement.

It states that if a law enforcement animal is assaulted and dies, the person responsible could face a Class D Felony charge in the state of Missouri.

A Class D Felony is the second-lowest class of felonies in the state and could lead to a prison sentence of no more than seven years, one year in a county jail or a court-imposed fine of up to $10,000.

The name or status of the law enforcement officer responsible for K-9 Horus’s death has not been revealed, nor has there been an explanation for his tragic passing.