WATCH ABOVE: An investigation in the north end led to a police dog being injured and another dog having to be put down. Shallima Maharaj has the details.
EDMONTON — A dog was shot by an Edmonton police officer during a break and enter investigation early Wednesday morning after the animal attacked a police service dog.
Officers were called to a vehicle theft complaint near 147 Avenue and 23 Street around 4:15 a.m. While on their way to the scene, another 911 call came in from the same area, from a person who detained a man after he allegedly broke into the home using a garage door opener that was stolen from a vehicle parked on the driveway.
After police learned of a second suspect, Police Service Dog Viper was sent out to track the person.
Shortly after, a dog escaped from the home where the other suspect was being held. Police say someone opened the front door of the home and the dog ran out and attacked PSD Viper.
The police canine handler attempted to separate the pair of dogs, but was unsuccessful. The homeowner’s dog latched on to Viper and would not let go, police said, so a patrol officer shot at the dog.
“There was a big fight, so the two dogs were actively fighting and they’re two big, strong dogs,” said Staff Sgt. Troy Carrier with the EPS Canine Unit. “The dog itself got the upper hand and had our service dog by the throat and we could not get him off after several kicks, punches, everything that the handler could do.”
Troy said Viper was wearing a collar that provided some protection.
“He was wearing two collars, one of which was a big leather ride collar, we call it.As a result, the dog couldn’t do any ripping or tearing, so it was a lot of bite pressure on PSD Viper’s neck, which was fairly significant. He almost lost consciousness.”
Carrier says the dog’s owner was also yelling at the animal in hopes of breaking up the fight, but it did not work.
“This engagement went for over a minute long before the decision was made by the northeast member to use his firearm.”
The injured dog was taken by its owners to a nearby emergency veterinarian clinic where it was put down. Global News spoke to the owner, who did not wish to comment on camera about what happened.
“It’s unfortunate that a dog had to be put down,” said Carrier. “The police officer had to make a difficult decision at that moment to save PSD Viper.”
An 18-year-old man who is known to police was arrested and charged with break and enter and theft from a motor vehicle.
Police say PSD Viper could not continue to track the second suspect after the attack. The suspect has not yet been located by police.
Police said PSD Viper suffered scratches and missing fur in the attack. The breed of the other dog has not been released.
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