Police Dog Koda Stabbed - Man Charged

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A POLICE dog stabbed during a violent arrest in Adelaide has undergone emergency surgery and is in a stable condition.

A man has been charged with numerous offences after the arrest at Elizabeth Vale on Sunday.

Police say they were chasing the man on foot around 7.30am (CST) after the attempted theft of a car and break-ins at several nearby homes.

Police dog Koda was released to stop the man, who was armed with a knife.

Koda detained the suspect, who allegedly stabbed the dog twice.

The German shepherd was rushed to a nearby vet by his handler and has since undergone emergency surgery and is now in a stable condition.

The 30-year-old man, of no fixed place, has been charged with attempted aggravated robbery, four counts of theft, aggravated serious criminal trespass in relation to two homes, aggravated assault of police, property damage and injuring an animal.

He has been refused bail and will appear in Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Monday.

Elizabeth Police are also appealing to the Elizabeth Vale community to help locate a woman that may be experiencing a medical emergency and is known to the arrested man.

She was last seen at 8am near Semley Street, Elizabeth Vale, where she was asking for medical assistance.

The woman is described as Caucasian, about 28, with long brown hair wearing a blue hoodie, black jeans, medium build, and about 36 weeks pregnant.

Police have concerns for her welfare and ask anyone who sees her to call police on 131 444.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/police-dog-stabbed-in-adelaide/story-e6frfku9-1226703608498#ixzz2cyl3yzJJ

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And a support page on Facebook

[westiemum]

Made the news here tonight and Koda is very sore but should make a full recovery

[german_shep_fan]

What a beautiful boy, a true credit to the courage of the GSD, get well soon sweet boy

[kelpiecuddles]

Glad to hear Koda is doing well. :) I wonder how this will affect him longer term and whether he will be able to return to his work fully...

[BC Crazy]

Great news Koda is going to be OK What a courageous boy. Get well soon Koda :)

[Pjrt]

My link

A POLICE dog stabbed during an incident at Elizabeth Vale last month is recovering well and should soon return to the front line.

Koda, a six-year old German Shepherd, had stitches removed this morning, clearing the path for his return to active duty.

Veterinarian Dr Nigel Steyne said Koda had made great progress since he was stabbed twice in the incident on August 25 .

"Although there is some scarring, Koda's wounds have healed very well and he should be fit for duty very soon," Dr Steyne said.

A man has been charged with several offences including aggravated assault police, property damage and injuring an animal.

In the wake of the incident the state government announced new laws and tougher penalties for attacks on police animals.

The new laws will be introduced to parliament making it a specific offence to kill or injure a police animal, with a maximum penalty of five years prison.

Koda and his handler, Senior Constable Simon Rosenhahn, will now take several weeks' leave.