Dunn K-9's move to animal shelter after 5 years of service draws criticism at city council meeting

It's a situation that's getting a lot of attention on social media.

It received so much attention, the Dunn City Council allowed people to speak about the matter at Monday night's meeting.

"I have never put a dog in confinement," said former K-9 handler Victoria Jackson at the meeting.

Ingram was placed on light duty in October. A month later, Ingram said the chief called and told him she was taking the dog.

Pac-Man is the only dog in his wing at the City of Dunn Animal Shelter.

Ingram didn't want to do an on-camera interview, but he told WRAL News he thought Pac-Man was removed from his care in retaliation for missing a department photo shoot with the dog.

But Dunn Police Chief Cary Jackson disputes that.

"That is simply not true," Jackson said. "We're not going to get into the back-and-forth."

Jackson said the decision was based on Ingram's injury.

"Based on the restrictions that were issued on him by his physician, we made the decision to remove the handler from him, so he could make sure that he was receiving appropriate care," Jackson said.

Ingram said he asked for Pac-Man to be retired. He has offered to cover the cost of a new dog.

But the chief said Pac-Man is able to work.

"We feel like he's fully capable based on our consultation with our veterinarian and police trainers, canine trainers," Jackson said.

Jackson also said she was a former K-9 handler and she loves dogs, but added Pac-Man is a working dog, not a pet.