A police dog with the Lancashire Police Dog Unit was shot on Thursday 8 August by officers, as he turned on his handler and severely injured her during a search for a missing person in a field off Higher Walton Road, Walton-le-Dale.
According to a police statement, the attack caused the handler serious injuries. As armed officers arrived and attempts to restrain the dog failed, PD Jax was shot and killed at the scene.
The police dog handler suffered a serious upper leg injury and remains in hospital; no members of the public were involved in the incident.
“Given the circumstances the incident will be reviewed in due course”
Superintendent Hassan Khan, of , said, “This is never an easy decision for any officer to take, but police have a duty to act where necessary before any further injury is caused, whether to officers, or members of the public. We would never put anyone at risk of further harm.
“These are highly trained, working dogs which do a skilled job, but like any dog can present a danger in certain circumstances. We know how much our dogs are loved by the people of Lancashire and beyond, as well as our own staff. We have been left devastated by what has happened and the outcome of this incident.
“Our thoughts are very much with the injured officer while she undergoes treatment for serious leg injuries and she is receiving our full support. Given the circumstances the incident will be reviewed in due course.”