Story Archive

The Notorious D.O.G.

“Chase” — a police dog in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. — recently returned to duty after being retrained. The canine was ordered off the streets by Mayor Tony George after biting three people, including a police officer. One of the people bitten has filed a lawsuit against the city. Chase, a Belgian Malinois, and his handler, Ofc. Joseph Homza, were re-certified and returned to duty this summer. They were called to assist in apprehending a burglar who had fled. Officer Shane Smith was holding the perimeter that Chase was supposed to search, but “The dog latched onto Shane Smith’s leg,” said a witness. “His calf was pretty torn up.” Smith was transported to a hospital by ambulance to be patched up, and Chase has again been ordered off the streets. (RC/Wilkes Barre Citizens’ Voice) ...you wanted us to train him NOT to bite?