Mason’s K-9 Officer Tamarack being returned to Ingham County Animal Control

UPDATE: Tamarack to be reunited with former Officer Wildfong

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The city of Mason has confirmed it is returning K-9 Officer Tamarack to the Ingham County Animal Control because of a provision in the original adoption contract.

According to a social media post on Tuesday by the city of Mason, “Today, the City received an inquiry from Ingham County Animal Control, due to social media posts regarding the contract for adoption Tamarack. The City signed an adoption contract in 2020 and did not recall the provision in the contract that required her to be returned to Ingham County Animal Control until today if the City can no longer care for her. The City is coordinating with Ingham County Animal Control to take possession of Tamarack today and they will handle any adoption of her.”

Ingham County Animal Control Director Holly Guild says Tamarack will undergo a health and behavior screening like any other pet. Then, she suggested that a reunion might be in the works.

“Obviously, she is a trained police dog so she will not go to a normal pet home,” Guild said. “I will tell you that her former handler has already been in and filled out an adoption application for her. You know I think as far as we are concerned it doesn’t make sense to place her with a new family when she already has a family who loves her.”

Monday night the Mason City Council voted to not reunite Tamarack with her former partner. The vote came weeks after K-9 handler and Mason Police Officer Hayden Wildfong resigned from his position. He was under investigation after he left his gun and utility belt unattended in the weight room at Mason High School. His presence in the school, while on duty was also a possible violation of city policies.

It is not known if Officer Wildfong will be eligible to adopt Tamarack, or what the process for adoption will be for the K-9.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.