WINDSOR — An on-duty injury suffered by a Windsor police dog has led to the establishment of a fund to help cover his medical costs and anger among some town residents.

Iko, an eight-year veteran of the department, was injured while on patrol Tuesday with Windsor K-9 Police Officer Steven Vesco.

According to department spokesman Capt. Tom LePore, Iko was in the Poquonock neighborhood with Vesco and had been let out of the car to stretch his legs when he suddenly collapsed after suffering a ruptured disc.

The dog was seen by a veterinarian locally before being taken to a specialist in Middletown, LePore said.

LePore said the dog retired Wednesday, which was previously scheduled.

With medical bills already at $7,500, a GoFundMe account was established in Iko's name. More than $2,700 has been raised so far.

A fundraiser has been scheduled next Friday at Jim's Pizza, 124 Poquonock Ave., from 5-9 p.m.

LePore said the department has pledged $1,000 to Iko's medical bills, prompting some to criticize the department for not taking full responsibility for his care.

"This is about covering the expenses for a K-9 dog that dedicated eight years of his life to the department," said Debbie Samson. "This is not Windsor's finest moment."

LePore said Iko became Vesco's pet upon retirement and Vesco is responsible for the dog's care and additional costs throughout his life.

Iko had been having some health issues in recent years, relegating him to narcotics searches only, LePore said.

"Obviously we want to do everything we can do, but from a budgetary perspective I don't know that the town wanted to take drastic measures," LePore said. "We felt it was fair to offer to help. To do more we would have to sacrifice in other areas of the budget, possibly including training for the other to K-9 dogs."

LePore added that if Iko had been in the middle of his career instead of on the brink of retirement, it might have been a different story.