Related Articles
Pembroke Police mourns the loss of one of it’s own, Officer Payne Hunt(k-9). After a week long battle of complications Payne’s suffering ended! A Pembroke Police dog has died after being shot four times last week. While the Pembroke Police Department originally stated that K-9 Payne was recovering well, on Monday, the department said. After a week-long battle of complications, “Payne’s suffering has ended!” At about 4:25 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, Payne’s handler let him out, and the dog strayed into the yard of a nearby home, according to Chief Florita. The handler heard about six or seven shots, then Payne returned to the handler limping. Payne had been shot four times, but the shots did not hit any vital organs. The shooting is still under investigation; the Robeson County Animal Cruelty Enforcement officer is looking into it, Chief Florita said. The Labrador Retriever was shot four times before Payne came back limping, with flesh wounds on his left leg and ribs. Payne underwent surgery, and spent a few days under care at Pembroke Veterinary Hospital before being taken home with a police escort. “This precious Lab is so much more than a dog, he’s family. His home family, blue-line family and community are in need,” Alicia Hunt wrote last week. Now those families have been rallying round and offering condolences and support, many changing their profile pictures to a picture of Payne. He was reportedly shot by someone who believed he was a stray and whose own dogs had recently been attacked. Pembroke officers held a plate sale and benefit run to raise money to get the K9 unit, which primarily deals with narcotics, started in the spring. The Lumbee Tribe also donated $5,000 to the effort to bring in Payne and his fellow K9 Officer Zeus. There will be a public service that will be announced later. We will continue to fight the good fight! Rest easy brother!
