Police dog put down after biting pet dog near Fishtoft

An investigation was launched last month after an incident in which a dog was bitten by a police dog as it was being exercised on private land owned by the Drainage Board.

An East Midlands Operational Support Service Dog Handler parked a marked police dog van in an isolated location near Fishtoft in order to exercise his police dog.

The officer was unaware that a local man and his dog were approaching them in the dark and unfortunately, the man’s dog was bitten by the police dog. The officer immediately escorted the man and his dog to a local vet but sadly the man’s dog was later put down due to its injuries.

The police dog, named Falco, was suspended from operational duty while an enquiry was underway.

The investigation culminated in a decision being made that Falco should be euthanised and this has now been carried out.

Deputy Chief Constable Heather Roach said: “This was an incredibly tough decision to make given the nature of the circumstances and the fact that our dog handlers care a great deal about their dogs, as we do as a force.

“As difficult as it was to take this action, which was carried out with very heavy hearts, it was decided that the best course was to euthanise Falco to ensure this type of incident never happens again.

“An IPCC investigation is still underway so we are limited in what we can say in relation to the exact circumstances until those enquiries have been completed.”