Why is the Hanford PD’s facility dogs program ending?

HANFORD, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – The Hanford Police Department Facility Dogs program is closing, meaning that the program’s dogs, BeBe and Penny, will no longer serve the Hanford Police Department, Hanford city officials announced on Monday.

According to city officials, the decision comes after the Hanford Police Department’s Chief Stephanie Huddleston conducted a comprehensive review of the program shortly after assuming her new position this year.

Officials say the review showed that despite spending over $30,000 in taxpayer funds for various program costs, the city did not have the necessary funding to sustain the program for future years.

The city has also ended its contract with BeBe and Penny’s trainer, Hands and Paws Prevail (HAPPI).

At the program’s outset, city officials say two generous donations were made in support of the program, and the funds from both donations have not been spent.

City officials say they have been in communication with both donors, the FAST Credit Union and a Hanford resident, Billie Blackwell, about using their contributions for the Police Department’s K-9 Program. FAST Credit Union agreed to the solution, but the city says they were not able to reach the same agreement with the other donor, so his donation will be refunded.

The program was started in 2022 with the intent to bring comfort to the Police Department employees and members of the community.

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