EDMONTON — An Edmonton police dog who was stabbed in the neck while pursuing a suspected truck thief is recovering from her injuries.
Cora, a German shepherd who is a four-year veteran of the Edmonton Police Service, was attacked Monday evening.
Officers briefly pursued a suspect vehicle but called off the chase to safety reasons.
The driver continued barrelling through the city until losing control of the truck and smashing into two light standards.
Cora’s handler, Const. Darren Smith, let his partner loose and Cora caught up to the suspect and locked onto his arm.
That’s when she was stabbed twice with a screwdriver-type tool.
“She’s doing very well,” said police spokesman Jeff Wuite. “Fortunately, the wounds are not believed to be life-threatening. She’s expected to return to duty.”
Thomas Charles Bull, 27, has been charged with dangerous driving, criminal flight, possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of a dangerous weapon and driving while disqualified.
Bull is also charged with wilfully causing suffering or injury to an animal.
Smith was shaken by the attack on his partner, but is doing well now, said the man who heads up the city police canine unit.
“It’s traumatic,” said Sgt. Tom Pallas, adding handlers and police dogs are paired from puppyhood and inseparable at home and work. “A pretty significant bond is developed.”