Alberta police dog injured during armed robbery investigation in High River

An RCMP police dog named Paskal is recovering at home after being injured while tracking an armed robbery suspect in High River, according to officials.

An Alberta police dog is recovering at home with his handler after being injured during an investigation into an armed robbery.

Officers were called to a business in High River just before 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday for reports that a person armed with a gun and wearing a mask had taken cash from the register before leaving on a bicycle.

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A police dog, four-year-old German Shepherd Paskal, was used to track the suspect, but was injured while doing so.

“Cpl. Paul Cook, police dog handler, immediately recognized that Paskal was injured and rushed him to a Calgary veterinarian,” RCMP said in a Friday news release.

RCMP didn’t disclose exactly how Paskal was injured, but said he suffered lower torso injuries. He is on antibiotics and pain medications with an estimated recovery time of four to six weeks.

“Police dogs are indispensable members of our policing teams,” RCMP said. “Their exceptional abilities help keep communities safe, assist officers in high-risk situations and play a critical role in operational success.”

The town of High River is located roughly 40 kilometres south of Calgary.

Anyone with additional information about the robbery is asked to call High River RCMP at 403-652-2357.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.