A Las Vegas K9 that suffered multiple stab wounds while assisting police officers “continues to recover” after receiving emergent veterinary care.
The police dog, K9 Enzo, was stabbed several times after responding to a barricade situation involving a “suicidal male” in the 1200 block of South Las Vegas Boulevard on March 29, at approximately 1:08 p.m., the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) reports.
According to the LVMPD statement, the subject was armed with a knife and refused to exit an apartment. “During this time the male started a fire in the apartment and the incident was deemed a barricade. SWAT, crisis negotiators, and K9 units were requested.” Upon using “less-lethal options,” K9 Enzo was deployed.
“Shortly after SWAT and K9 arrival, the male exited the apartment armed with a knife. He quickly closed the distance on officers, who deployed less-lethal options including K9 Enzo. Enzo bit the subject, but the male was able to stab the dog multiple times.”
K9 Enzo was brought to a nearby veterinary hospital before being airlifted to a veterinary trauma hospital.
The LVMPD shares in an online statement, the three-year old Belgian Malinois is in “good spirits and getting lots of attention” and thanks “all the skilled veterinarians who have been taking care” of the police dog. “Thanks to VCA Decatur and Veterinary Emergency + Critical Care…and the Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center,” the X post reads.