TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The Terre Haute Police Deparment has canceled its plans to raffle off a puppy as a fundraiser for its K-9 program.
The department said on Facebook that it planned to sell raffle tickets for $5 apiece, with the winner taking home a German Shepherd puppy. Money raised would go toward the cost of a new K-9 officer.
But, after an outpouring of concern from Terre Haute residents, the “puppy raffle” was canceled in favor of a more traditional 50/50 raffle.
THPD announced the change Tuesday morning on Facebook:
The idea of raffling a puppy to raise money for the THPD K9 Unit was brought to our attention in good faith by a member of the community. The plan was to sell tickets for $5 dollars apiece, with the winning ticket receiving the puppy. We were going to vet the winning person/family to assure they would be suitable, responsible, pet owners. After careful consideration, and hearing the community’s concern, we have decided to turn the fundraiser into a 50/50 raffle. Tickets will be sold at THPD Headquarters and Top Guns starting today until July 11th. The puppy in question will be staying with a THPD K9 Handler’s family. We appreciate your feedback and understand your concern.
The puppy will be staying with the family of a THPD K-9 handler.
(Photo by Arterra/UIG via Getty Images.)
