K-9 Deputy Forced To Shoot Dog During Attack
PONTIAC (WWJ) - A longtime Oakland County Sheriff's Office K-9 handler was injured Thursday when his dog, a 5-year-old German Shepard named Gunner, attacked him.
The handler, a 23-year veteran of the department, had taken the dog to the veterinarian to look into options to help curb his aggression, which had become serious.
While the handler and the vet were attempting to leash the dog, he jumped up and bit the handler's forearm.
According to a statement from the Sheriff's office, the handler was then forced to use his department issued weapon and killed the dog.
The injured handler was being treated at a local hospital Thursday afternoon.
Said Sheriff Michael Bouchard, in a statement, "These dogs are more than a police asset, they are beloved members of the department and the handler's family. This is an extremely sad situation on every front."
The dog will undergo a necropsy at Michigan State University.
The handler's name has not been released.
