Police Dog Bites Child At Community Event
By Alex Lloyd Gross
Police engage in community relations all the time. Part of that process is to bring equipment and officers to community sponsored events. Police bring their K-9 teams routinely and put the dogs through their paces. At most of these events, the public is encouraged to interact and pet these dogs. That kind of event happened in Abington Twp.Montgomery County yesterday, October 20, when a child was bitten by a police dog. The following is a verbatim press release from the Abington Twp. Police Department:
The Abington Township Police Department would like to address an unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday at the Ardsley Family Day event that took place at the Ardsley Community Center. The Police Department and our K-9 teams routinely participate in community events and have participated in Ardsley Family Day the last several years. It is customary during these events for community members to interact with the K-9 Officer and his partner. During one of these interactions, a young child was bitten by the K-9. Members of The Second Alarmers Rescue Squad were on location at the event and were able to render aid immediately. The child was then transported to Abington Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released for his injuries.
The Abington Township Police Department and the K-9 Officer deeply regret that the child was injured during this incident. Our top priority is for the well-being and privacy of the child and his family. As a result of this incident, the K-9 has been removed from service until it can be evaluated.