An RCMP police dog was seriously injured Tuesday while tracking a suspect following an armed robbery in High River.
On Tuesday night, a suspect armed with a firearm and wearing a mask robbed a downtown business, taking cash from the register, before fleeing the scene on a bicycle, according to an RCMP news release issued Friday. Officers responded at approximately 10:20 p.m. and quickly established containment.
Police Dog Paskal Injured During Pursuit
Police dog Paskal and his handler, Cpl. Paul Cook, were among those pursuing a potential suspect when the four-year-old German Shepherd sustained injuries while jumping over a fence, RCMP told Postmedia.
Paskal suffered lower-torso injuries, and Cook immediately transported him to a veterinarian in Calgary.
Emergency Surgery and Recovery
The police dog underwent emergency surgery and is now receiving round-the-clock care from Cook. Paskal is on heavy pain medication and antibiotics.
Born at the RCMP Police Dog Services training facility in Innisfail, Paskal is expected to recover within four to six weeks, provided no complications arise during his recovery.
“We were fearful he wasn’t going to make it, initially,” said RCMP spokesperson Gina Slaney.
Importance of Police Dogs
In Friday’s news release, RCMP emphasized that police dogs are “indispensable members” of their policing teams.
“Their exceptional abilities help keep communities safe, assist officers in high-risk situations, and play a critical role in operational success,” said RCMP.
