The Bossier City Police Department K-9 program is being discontinued, Bossier City Police Chief Shane McWilliams announced Wednesday afternoon.

The city attorney determined after an evaluation that the risk and liabilities outweigh the benefits of the K-9 program.

“The decision to discontinue the program is in no way a reflection of the performance of the K-9 handlers who have done outstanding work for Bossier City and who will continue to serve the community in other assignments,” read a news release from the Bossier City Police Department.

The police department has three K-9s that will be retired. The handlers will have the opportunity to permanently adopt their K-9 partners.

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Emily Enfinger is the breaking news reporter for The Shreveport Times, covering crime and court. Follow her on Twitter at @EmilyEnfinger.

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