NEW CASTLE — A police officer already suspended without pay faces a city council hearing on departmental charges in the death of a police dog who suffered heat stroke from being left in a hot squad car for nearly four hours.

Officer James Hoyland could be fined, have his suspension extended or be fired depending on results of the July 20 hearing.

Police Chief Thomas Sansone has said the dog, a 6-year-old Dutch shepherd named Chico, died after he was left in Hoyland’s cruiser the afternoon of June 4 while temperatures were in the 80s.

City council will hear the charges in executive session unless Hoyland requests a public hearing in writing.