A Calgary police dog is back on the job after recovering from multiple stab wounds received while trying to catch a teenaged suspect following an alleged break-and-enter at a local school.
Jester received a hero’s welcome from his fellow officers as he resumed his nearly five-year law enforcement career on Wednesday. In a Facebook post, Calgary police said Jester has undergone a series of tests and is “healthy and ready to begin serving the citizens of Calgary again.”
The German Shepherd was severely injured by a knife-wielding suspect in the early morning hours of July 30.
According to police, two underage suspects attempted to run from the scene at Grant MacEwan School. Jester pursued one of the boys, and was stabbed multiple times in the head.
The dog was rushed to a veterinary hospital for emergency surgery in life-threatening condition. At the time, it was not clear if he would be able to return to duty.
“PSD (Police Service Dog) Jester and his handler are grateful to everyone for the well wishes, and are looking forward to hitting the streets again as partners,” Calgary police wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.
A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, faces several charges including maiming a police animal, break-and-enter, and possessing a weapon.
Anyone convicted of intentionally killing or maiming a police dog or service animal faces a maximum of five years in prison.
A second unnamed 15-year-old boy also faces a break-and-enter charge.
With files from CTV Calgary
Police Service Dog Jester returns to work We feel very fortunate to announce that Police Service Dog Jester is now back...
Posted by Calgary Police Service on Wednesday, September 13, 2017
