Although the death of a police dog left in a hot patrol car by his Gulf Shores police handler was called an accident last week, the case will be reviewed by a grand jury, according to a local report.

Corporal Josh Coleman left Mason, a police community relations dog, in the car while he attended a conference about hurricane preparations.

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Police initially said Coleman forgot about Mason and later found him unresponsive. The dog died after being taken to a veterinarian.

Depending on the Baldwin County Grand Jury's findings, Coleman could face formal charges in the dog's death.

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People join a rally in support for U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees on Tuesday afternoon, April 1, 2025, at the Atlanta headquarters after federal cuts triggered significant layoffs. (Photo: Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Jenni Girtman