While Alaska police-canine handlers vouched for their dogs’ ability to act as a deterrent and assist with illegal drug seizures, their endorsement comes with a warning: if you own a police dog, don’t leave your dirty laundry lying around.

The Haines Borough Assembly voted unanimously last week to direct borough manager Debra Schnabel to “research and report on the true cost and operation” of a police dog after a group of concerned citizens submitted a…