SASKATOON – Police across the country are mourning the loss of an Edmonton Service dog killed Monday in the line of duty.
In Saskatchewan, the fatal incident has re-sparked the discussion for stricter punishment and protection of law enforcement animals.
Police service dogs put their lives on the line every day. Throughout their careers, service dogs are put through rigorous training with real risk and danger.
“They’re usually thinking knives and fire arms but a lot of the times our dogs are assaulted by improvised weapons, people use whatever they can get their hands on, screw drivers, rocks, anything that’s available,” said Cst. Chad Malanowich, Saskatoon Police Service Canine Unit.
Monday morning, Edmonton Police Service dog, Quanto, was fatally stabbed during an arrest.
“I know in Alberta right now our justice minister has made statements that, yes we need to move forward with this and I think there’s many law makers across the country that do agree with it and we just to need to make sure we see it through,”said Sgt. Murray Pollock, Calgary Police Service/ Canadian Police Canine Association Director.
In 2001, PSD Cyr was killed in the line of duty. He was the last police service dog to lose his life in Saskatoon.
Throughout Canada, over 35 police service dogs and one horse have lost their lives in the line of duty.
In 2010, punishment to protect service animals in Saskatchewan was made provincial legislation as part of the animal protection act, carrying a two-year sentence and a $25,000 maximum fine.
Only four provinces across the country have provincial legislation in place.
An Ontario MP has brought forward a bill in Ottawa proposing all law enforcement animals be given special protection in the criminal code.
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