PORTLAND, OR – A Portland Police dog is currently out of patrol service during an investigation into how he escaped from his handler’s yard and bit two people.
On Friday, March 12, 2021, at about 5:00 p.m., an off-duty Portland Police K9 handler learned that his canine partner had escaped from his fenced yard and injured two people walking their dog in Happy Valley. Paramedics responded, as did the Happy Valley Police Department and Happy Valley Code Enforcement. The couple’s dog did not appear to have been injured.
The Happy Valley Police Department and Code Enforcement conducted the initial investigation into the incident. Per Portland Police K9 Policy, the handler notified a Portland Police K9 unit supervisor, who responded to the scene, coordinated with Happy Valley Police, and began an internal investigation. The initial investigation determined that the police dog broke through a piece of fencing and got free in the neighborhood. At some point afterward, the police dog encountered two people walking their dog and bit them both.
The police canine has been secured, kenneled, and quarantined and will remain out of service until the investigation is complete and Portland Police K9 Unit trainers have had an opportunity to assess the dog further.
“The Portland Police K9 Unit and the Bureau regret this unfortunate incident,” said Deputy Chief Chris Davis. “This appears to be an isolated event. K9 officers provide a valuable service to community safety and have a good safety record. Part of the ongoing internal investigation will determine if any additional training or procedural changes need to be made to avoid this type of incident from happening again.”