Baltimore City Police Department Suspends Second Officer in Dog Death

After one Baltimore City police officer was charged with animal cruelty for allegedly slitting a dog's throat last weekend, a second officer has reportedly been placed on administrative leave in connection with the incident.

Officer Thomas Schmidt, 52, was placed on administrative leave with pay for his role in the death of a shar-pei named Nala in southeast Baltimore City, according to WBAL.

Patch previously reported that Jeffrey Bolger, 49, was charged with aggravated animal cruelty, animal cruelty and malfeasance in office. 

Schmidt, a 24-year veteran of the department, and Bolger, a 22-year veteran, are members of the emergency services unit that was called to a parking lot on South Grundy Street Saturday to restrain Nala, who had escaped from her backyard and bitten a woman trying to help her, according to ABC 2 News.

Schmidt used a dog pole to bring Nala under control, according to ABC 2.

Then he held the dog down while Bolger slit her throat, CBS DC reported.

Deputy Commissioner Dean Palmere said the behavior was "outrageous and unacceptable."

Police said Bolger was suspended without pay. He was booked Wednesday and released on his own recognizance, according to CBS DC. Schmidt was not charged.

According to WBAL, the Baltimore City Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident while also reviewing its policy regarding stray dogs.

Related: Baltimore City Officer Charged with Animal Cruelty After Slitting Dog's Throat