Police dog shot dead by armed officers after attacking its handler

A police dog was shot and killed after it bit its handler, seriously injuring her, during a missing person search.

Lancashire Police say the incident happened in a field during the early hours of the morning, with armed officers shooting the dog, named Jax, after it ‘became aggressive’ and attacked its handler.

Following unsuccessful attempts to restrain the dog – thought to have been long-serving and experienced – armed police shot it dead.

The officer suffered a serious upper leg injury and remained in hospital on Thursday, with the force saying a full review would be carried out.

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Lancashire Police said in a statement: “Around 5.15am today (Thursday, August 3rd) we were searching for a missing person in a field off Higher Walton Road, Walton-le-Dale.

“During the search a police dog became aggressive, biting its police dog handler, causing serious injuries.

“Further patrols, including armed officers, attended the scene with attempts made to restrain the dog. All efforts to restrain the dog failed and given the continuing threat to the injured officer and other patrols, PD Jax was shot at the scene by armed officers, and sadly died.

“The police dog handler suffered a serious upper leg injury and remains in hospital at this time. No members of the public were involved in the incident.”

Lancashire Police

Superintendent Hassan Khan of Lancashire Police added: “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.”