Police dog stabbed in line of duty is honoured - with video

Canto the German Shepherd was injured during the incident in August last year after officers were called to reports of a man at a property armed with a kitchen knife.

The dog had arrived at the property with West Mercia Police dog handler Pc Emma Worrall when he was injured.

Now he was been feted by the pet medical charity PDSA at a special presentation in Telford, where he and the officer were presented with a framed certificate.

The pair had been working together for just three weeks, based at Wellington Police Station, when they responded to the call out.

Pc Worrall, 34, explained the situation facing the pair inside the home.

She said: “As soon as we entered the property we were confronted by the man wielding a large kitchen knife.

“I released my hold on Canto’s collar and gave him the command to bite and detain.

“Canto leapt towards the man as commanded, but rather than bite he fell to the floor.

“I was shocked because Canto is an experienced dog and it was unlike him not to carry out my commands.”

Although he was hurt, Canto continued to bark at the man, an action which allowed officers armed with tasers to deal with the situation.

Pc Worrall said that while her fellow officers were taking care of the threat, her four-legged partner had fled out of the room – something extremely out of character.

“When I checked him I saw that he had blood over his front paws and a huge stab wound across his chest.

“My hands were covered in Canto’s blood.

“I couldn’t believe that he’d been stabbed while trying to do his job.

“As he was able to stand I put him on his lead and ran to my car, shouting to my colleagues what had happened,” the officer who has 11 years service with West Mercia Police said.

She drove him to Haygate Veterinary Practice, in Wellington, where Canto underwent emergency surgery on the eight-inch wound.

The five-year-old was able to return home with her the following day to begin his recuperation before returning to his force shifts.

Pc Worrall added: “He is a fantastic dog and is quite experienced in these sorts of situations and when he didn’t bite the man I was quite surprised.

"I’m so proud of him. He’s amazing and I can’t praise him enough. He’s a great dog to live and work with, I couldn’t have asked for a better dog.”

The PDSA’s general director Jan McLoughlin said: “PD Canto’s story really highlights the vital role that police dog teams play in local policing and demonstrates the perils they can face. I’m honoured to present him with the PDSA Commendation for his actions that night and to celebrate his contribution to our local police force.”

The PDSA Commendation is part of the organisation’s animal awards programme, which comprises the PDSA Dickin Medal – the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, the PDSA Gold Medal, known as the animals’ George Cross, and the PDSA Order of Merit, the animals’ OBE.