K-9 Zaki Retires from Livingston County Sheriff’s Department

CHILLICOTHE, MO – Livingston County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Zaki will be retiring from the department.  The Sheriff’s Office raised funds in 2014 and 2015 to implement the K-9 program and Zaki joined the force in 2016.

During Zaki’s career he helped solve many felony drug cases for a variety of agencies in north Missouri.  Sheriff Cox says Zaki is an excellent tracking dog and helped on dozens of criminal tracks and apprehensions.  He said the mere presence of Zaki on the scene many times saved use of force situations as many would surrender.

Zaki assisted in locating fugitives hiding in Daviess County during an operation which uncovered a large multi-million dollar illegal marijuana growing operation tied to a Mexican Drug Cartel.

Early during Zaki’s career he was struck by a vehicle while with former Deputy Mueller but was not seriously injured.  Later in his career Zaki was injured by a suspect during a critical use of force incident and since recovered.  Zaki also developed medical issues and had to have a good part of his tail amputated.

Zaki will remain with handler Deputy Nicholas Leadbetter.  The sheriff’s Office currently does not have plans for a replacement K-9.