New Jersey officer charged after two K-9s die in hot vehicle, prosecutors say

A New Jersey police officer has been charged after prosecutors said he left two K-9s in his vehicle for seven hours without proper ventilation, resulting in their deaths.

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According to prosecutors, on May 29, 2026, at around 3:30 p.m., Cody L. Henderson of the Salem County Sheriff’s Office discovered K-9 “Rip,” a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, and K-9 “Boomer,” a 6-year-old Springer Spaniel, dead in his police vehicle.

Henderson then transported the dogs to a Delaware animal hospital. That’s when the Salem County Sheriff’s Office then notified the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office of the deaths, prompting an immediate investigation.

Prosecutors said an investigation revealed that Henderson left the K-9s unattended in the police vehicle, without appropriate ventilation or other care, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

It is alleged that the vehicle the dogs were in was not running during that time frame, the windows were closed, no emergency alert system was activated, and available indoor kennels were not utilized, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors said investigators do not believe that the vehicle, K9 Heat Alarm “Hot-N-Pop” device, or other equipment malfunction was a contributing factor in the deaths of the dogs.

The NBC10 First Alert Weather Team reported a high of 81 degrees in Salem County on May 29th. This means the temperature inside a car could have felt like 120-125 degrees after just one hour.

A necropsy performed by the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory determined the dogs likely died from hyperthermia, or heat stroke, according to a criminal complaint.

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Henderson has been charged with the following: Two counts of inflicting unnecessary cruelty on a living animal. Two counts of failing to provide necessary care to a living animal. Two counts of unlawfully restraining an animal in a manner that exposed it to adverse environmental conditions for more than 30 minutes. Two counts of purposely, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to a living animal by failing to provide necessary care.

Court records show Henderson is scheduled to appear in Salem County Court on July 30. Officials added that he has been placed on unpaid leave.

The Salem County Sheriff’s Office shared the following statement regarding the death of Rip and Boomer:

“The Salem County Sheriff’s Office remains deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our K-9 partners, Rip and Boomer. These exceptional canines dedicated their lives to serving and protecting the residents of Salem County and were valued members of our law enforcement family.

The Office has been notified that following an investigation conducted by the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office, K-9 Sergeant Cody Henderson has been formally charged in connection with the deaths of his assigned canine partners K-9 Officer Boomer and K-9 Officer Rip.

Rip and Boomer exemplified the highest standards of service, loyalty, and dedication. Their contributions to public safety and their commitment to duty will not be forgotten. The loss of these loyal partners has had a profound impact on our agency, our law enforcement community, and the citizens they faithfully served. We continue to honor the memory and service of Rip and Boomer and extend our thoughts to all those affected by this tragic loss.

As criminal and administrative proceedings remain ongoing, the Salem County Sheriff’s Office will continue to direct all comments to the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office.“

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