Stabbing death of police dog hits close to home

CALGARY- The death of a police dog who was stabbed while pursuing a suspect in Edmonton has hit close to home.

‘Quanto’, a five-year-old German Shepherd, was attacked by a suspect in a RCMP parking lot and later died of his injuries.

Those who work in the canine unit can relate to the strong bond between dog and handler, including Cst. Erik Mueller-Thode from the Calgary Police Service. He has worked with ‘Jerry’ for the past six years, a German Shepherd who works and lives with him.

“These dogs are like pro athletes. We test a lot of dogs, and some aren’t cut out for it and the ones that are are really into it.”

The pair heads to high-risk calls, and Mueller-Thode says knowing they’re facing danger makes them aware of how quickly things can go bad.

“It’s something we think about all the time, eventually their life will come to an end,” he says. “We don’t want it to happen in the line of duty, but we go to work every day knowing that’s a possibility.

“At the end of the day, these dogs are there to protect us, and sometimes they make the ultimate sacrifice.”

The person who stabbed Quanto is in custody facing numerous charges, including one charge of animal cruelty. However, there is currently no charge under the criminal code that involves a dog dying in the line of duty.

“At this time the legislation just reflects the cruelty to animals charges, it’s been our intent to have that changed,” says A/S/Sgt. Troy Carriere from the Edmonton Police Service.

During his career, Quanto helped make more than 100 arrests.