NZ police thank members of public after dog handler and their dog assaulted

Police have arrested a 38-year-old man after he allegedly assaulted a Police dog and their handler this evening.

“Thankfully, the dog handler and their dog are not seriously injured and are safely at home, recuperating with their whanau,” says Superintendent John Price, Canterbury District Commander.

The incident occurred on Greers Road around 5:15pm today after Police received reports of a man behaving suspiciously and trying to get into cars passing by.

The assault occurred after the officer and his dog arrived and got out of the patrol car, before members of the public stopped and intervened.

Superintendent Price says, “An enormous thank you to those who stood by our officer. This reflects the true spirit and extensive support the public have for our police.

“Stories like this reflect the challenging environment police work in and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the safety of the community we protect.”

The man is due to appear in Christchurch District Court tomorrow on a number of charges, including resisting police and injuring a police dog.

/NZ Police Public Release. View in full here.