Hero Police Dog Survives Brutal Machete Attack – Set for Full Recovery
A fearless police dog named Stark is back home after a terrifying machete attack – and the incredible news is he’s expected to make a full recovery!
Teen Lunges at Dog with Rusty Machete
Dog handler PC Paul Hopley was tracking suspected burglars at 4am on Saturday (14 Nov) when a 16-year-old suddenly leapt out from an allotment hiding spot and attacked Stark.
“I heard what I thought was a stick hitting Stark’s head. But when I got there, the lad was swinging a rusty machete,” PC Hopley said. The blade left Stark bleeding with serious cuts across his face.
Quick-thinking Handler Tackles Attacker to the Ground
PC Hopley sprang into action, spraying incapacitant and rugby tackling the knifeman. Stark helped hold him down until police arrived. The attack happened in allotments off Larch Avenue, Handsworth.
Stark’s Lucky Escape and Road to Recovery
- Stark, a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix, underwent surgery to stitch up wounds near his eyes.
- The machete missed his right eye by inches – vets are confident he’ll bounce back fully.
- He’ll rest at home for two weeks, sporting a “cone of shame” to protect his stitches.
“Seeing the wounds so close to Stark’s eye, I feared the worst,” PC Hopley admitted. “We’ve been partners for 18 months and look out for each other. It’s a huge relief he’s going to be OK.”
Despite being sidelined, Stark’s bursting with energy and eager to get back on duty catching crooks.
Suspect Arrested but Hospitalised After Dog Bites
The attacker, a 16-year-old Birmingham teen, was arrested on suspicion of knife possession and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. He now remains in hospital after receiving treatment for dog bites inflicted during the arrest.
