PA Corrections Department Makes Changes After Drug Dog Death

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has announced policy changes after the death of a drug dog left in a hot car in July.

Totti was a member of the team of canines that travel to state corrections facilities to search for drugs and other contraband.

On July 7, Totti's distracted handler left him in a hot vehicle for three hours on the grounds of a state prison in Centre County.

Amy Worden, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Corrections, says "The Department is devastated by what happened to Totti and is trying to do everything in its power to make sure that such a horrible incident never happens again."

Among the new policies instituted by the Department of Corrections is a change of leadership in the drug interdiction unit, a mandate that no dogs be left in a vehicle for any reason without the handler in the vehicle.

Handlers and dogs are to stay in pet-friendly hotels when deployed overnight and handlers have been issued portable kennels.

Totti's handler has also been charged by state police.