A police canine has been shot lifeless after biting its feminine handler whereas trying to find a lacking particular person.
Armed officers shot lifeless PD Jax, a canine which had served with Lancashire Police for greater than 5 years, after the animal’s handler suffered a leg harm.
The Malinois canine, considered round six years previous, was specifically educated to find folks hiding in water.
PD Jax had beforehand sniffed out offenders hiding within the canal, and in 2020 chased down a drunk driver who fled the scene after crashing a automotive.
Final yr, PD Jax helped monitor a weak girl in her 20s who went lacking in a mountain vary.
The power mentioned officers had been pressured to kill the animal after it ‘grew to become aggressive’ throughout a seek for a lacking particular person in a village close to Preston, Lancashire, this morning.
Armed officers shot lifeless PD Jax, a canine which had served with Lancashire Police for greater than two years
The power mentioned officers had been pressured to kill the animal after it ‘grew to become aggressive’ throughout a seek for a lacking particular person
Police mentioned makes an attempt had been made to restrain the canine, with armed officers attending the scene, however these failed.
The police canine handler has suffered a severe higher leg harm and stays in hospital.
Police had been trying to find a lacking particular person in a area off Increased Walton Street, Walton-le-Dale, when the incident occurred.
Supt Hassan Khan, of Lancashire Police, mentioned the power had been left devastated by what occurred and the result.
PD Jax (pictured) was shot lifeless this morning after he grew to become aggressive and bit his handler
Mr Khan mentioned: ‘That is by no means a straightforward resolution for any officer to take, however police have an obligation to behave the place obligatory earlier than any additional harm is triggered, whether or not to officers, or members of the general public. We’d by no means put anybody vulnerable to additional hurt.
‘These are extremely educated, working canines which do a talented job, however like every canine can current a hazard in sure circumstances.
‘We all know how a lot our canines are liked by the folks of Lancashire and past, in addition to our personal employees.’
He added: ‘Our ideas are very a lot with the injured officer whereas she undergoes remedy for severe leg accidents and she or he is receiving our full assist.
‘Given the circumstances the incident can be reviewed in the end.’
No members of the general public had been concerned within the incident.