A Victoria man has been convicted of charges stemming from an attack on a Victoria Police service dog.
It's the first Greater Victoria conviction under a new Canadian law designed to protect K9 service dogs.
The attack stems from an incident in early July 2016, when an officer was conducting a vehicle stop in James Bay. The officer noticed drugs in the car and attempted to take the driver into custody. The suspect driver resisted and assaulted the officer, and while driving away, the officer was dragged before being able to free himself.
The suspect was positively identified and was tracked down a short time later in a hotel on Quebec Street. While police attempted to apprehend the suspect driver and a companion who'd been a passenger in the vehicle, both men began to fight with officers. Police service dog, Uno was released and was attacked by the suspects, striking the dog several times in the head and face. After a struggle, officers were able to take both suspects into custody.
Service dog, Uno, recovered from his injuries and returned to duty at a later date.
On October 26th 2018, the suspect was convicted on charges of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, dangerous driving, obstruction of a police officer and the assaults on PSD Uno. He returns to court this month for sentencing. The suspect’s companion in the vehicle previously plead guilty to similar charges.