Sgt. Allen Cockfield, formerly a Miami-Dade County police officer, is on trial for killing his K-9, Duke in June of 2006.  The prosecution says the dog was killed by a series of vicious kicks from Sgt. Cockfield, whereas the defense claims the attack was in self-defense.  They claim the dog was aggressive, attacked Cockfield during the training session, and weighed over 70 pounds.

For the alleged crimes, Cockfield has been charged with animal cruelty, a misdemeanor, and the felony count of killing a police dog.  Conviction of this crime could lead to a jail sentence and loss of state police certification.

Sgt. Cockfield had been a canine handler with the department for over 20 years, and there are no other incidences on record.  Duke was Cockfield’s fourth dog.  The investigation that led to the firing of the sergeant lasted a year, and the trial continues Wednesday.