A police K-9 in San Diego was set on fire during a standoff outside an adult entertainment store on September 17, 2026, according to the San Diego Police Department and sheriff's office. Officers say a man barricaded himself inside the business after allegedly vandalizing cars nearby, refused to surrender, and ignited an incendiary device as a K-9 was sent in to help end the standoff. The dog suffered burns and was treated for its injuries. Three officers were also hurt and received medical care.

Police service dogs put themselves in danger every day to protect their communities, and they don't get a say in it. When someone intentionally sets a police K-9 on fire, the consequences should match the harm done, and there should be guaranteed support in place to help an injured K-9 recover, not care that depends on donations.

Right now, California law treats harming a police service animal as a lesser offense than harming a human officer, even when the injury is severe and intentional. That gap needs to close. We're asking the California State Legislature to strengthen penalties for anyone who intentionally injures or kills a police service animal in the line of duty, and to require departments to guarantee full veterinary care and rehabilitation for K-9s hurt on the job.

This K-9 didn't choose to walk into that standoff. It was sent in to do a dangerous job and came out badly burned. Sign this petition to demand tougher penalties and guaranteed care for police K-9s like this one, before another dog gets hurt with no safety net waiting for it.