Bad doggie!
The West Vancouver Police Department has taken one of its canine crime fighters out of service after it attacked a teen during a training exercise last week.
Const. Jeff Palmer said a handler and the police service dog were training in tracking at the West Vancouver Community Centre on Marine Drive around 11 p.m. on March 9 when the duo met two young people sitting on a park bench in a dimly lit area.
The German shepherd "came into contact" with the youth's upper body, arm and jacket sleeve before the handler brought the animal under control, Palmer said.
The victim suffered abrasions and bruising. He was treated by emergency services at the scene and released.
Palmer said the handler didn't notice the youths on the bench before entering the area.
"At that time of night the community centre is closed and it's not an area that we'd normally expect someone to be," he said.
The dog was taken out of service immediately after the incident. It will now undergo a re-certification before it goes back on duty.
The animal, one of four service dogs on the force, has worked as a team with its handler for three years.
Department management has ordered a review of Police Service Dog training practices after the attack.
Palmer said the police chief has been in contact with the boy and his family, and has apologized.
