A police dog, stabbed multiple times as it helped detained a burglary suspect, has received a bravery award at Crufts.
Metropolitan Police Dog Kaiser, who has fully recovered from attack last year, was presented with the award on behalf of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC)
The NPCC said Kaiser “showed immense bravery” on 30 May 2021 while on patrol with his handler, PC Mark Woolcott.
Kaiser receiving the award at Crufts
Metropolitan Police
The pair were called to reports of an intruder in the back garden of a house in Orpington in south east London.
The dog unit responded alongside other officers and started a search of the area.
They found their suspect down a track behind the house.
As Kaiser tried to subdue the man, he was stabbed five times on the top of his head and once below his eye.
Despite the attack, Kaiser was able to keep control of the suspect for long enough to allow officers to arrest the man.
The Metropolitan Police said Kaiser’s actions undoubtedly prevented potential life threatening injuries to his handler PC Woolcott and the wider public.
The injured police dog was rushed to the vets where his stabbed wounds were treated. He only narrowly avoided lasting injury.
Inspector Kristian Leighton, from the Met’s Taskforce, which includes the Dog Support Unit, said:
“We’re extremely proud that Kaiser’s bravery has been recognised by the NPCC at Crufts.
“It was a fantastic moment and one we will always remember.
“The bravery shown by Kaiser is a stark reminder of the danger, uncertainty and risk that our officers and animals face working on the frontline every day."
Kaiser is now back on duty, serving the people of London again.