A routine high school basketball game in Westcliffe turned scary Thursday night when Custer County Sheriff’s K-9 Zara bit a student on the leg, sending shock waves through the small Colorado mountain town.
The teen suffered only minor injuries, but the incident has parents furious and the sheriff’s office promising an immediate policy overhaul.
How the Bite Happened in Seconds
Custer County deputies say K-9 Zara and her handler were walking through the gym providing normal event security during the Bobcats’ home game.
Witnesses told KKTV and local Facebook groups that a group of students sprinted past the K-9 team during an exciting moment on the court. The sudden rush startled Zara, who reacted instantly and nipped one student’s lower leg.
Neither the deputy nor the student realized the bite broke skin until minutes later when the teen noticed blood on their sock.
The student was treated at a Salida clinic the same night. Custer County Sheriff Shannon Byerly confirmed the department is paying all medical bills.
Meet Zara: The Dog Everyone Calls “Gentle”
Zara is a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois with years of school visits and community events on her record.
Undersheriff Brandon Chaney posted Friday that Zara lives with his own young children and has never shown aggression before.
“She lets toddlers climb all over her,” Chaney wrote. “This was a pure startle reaction.”
Zara is now under the required 10-day home quarantine even though her rabies shots are current.
Parents Demand Answers and New Rules
By Friday morning, the sheriff’s office Facebook post had blown up with more than 200 comments.
Many residents thanked deputies for being open, but dozens of parents said K-9s should stay outside the bleachers or be muzzled inside school buildings.
One mom wrote:
“My kid runs in that gym every game. One bite is one too many.”
Another parent replied:
“Kids startle dogs. Dogs startle kids. Maybe keep them at the doors from now on.”
Multiple sources confirmed this appears to be the first time in years a K-9 has been roaming freely among students during a game in Custer County.
Sheriff Promises Fast Changes
Sheriff Byerly told reporters Friday afternoon the department has already started rewriting its school-event K-9 policy.
New rules being discussed include:
- Keeping dogs stationed only at entrances
- Requiring muzzles in crowded indoor settings
- Extra training for startle situations in loud gyms
“We love having Zara and our other dogs in schools for education days,” Byerly said. “But security details are different. We will adjust to keep everyone safe.”
The injured student returned to class Friday wearing a small bandage and high spirits, classmates said.
In a town of just 600 people, news travels fast and feelings run deep. Thursday night was a reminder that even the friendliest police dog is still a highly trained animal capable of lightning-fast reactions.
The sheriff’s office says it will share the final updated policy with parents before the next home game.
What do you think: should K-9s still patrol inside school gyms? Share your take in the comments below.
