Surrey police dog cut with knife in line of duty
Posted August 5, 2025 12:16 pm.
A police dog is recovering after receiving treatment for minor injuries sustained during his aid in the arrest of two suspects.
It happened on Aug.4 shortly before 6:30 a.m. RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit officers responded to reports of a theft from a vehicle in the 16900 block 86A Ave. in Surrey. By the time officers arrived, the suspects had left the area, but RCMP were able to set up containment for both suspects.
Lower Mainland District Police Service Dog Lotto, and his handler, tracked one suspect into a wooded area where the suspect succumbed to arrest. During the arrest, PSD Lotto was allegedly cut with a knife. A knife and other property were recovered by PSD Lotto.
“Our Integrated Police Service Dogs play a vital role in keeping communities safe throughout the LMD, often working in unpredictable and dangerous situations,” Staff Sergeant Derek King, IPDS Unit Commander, said in a press release. “The bond between our dogs and handlers is extraordinary, so when one is injured, it affects us all.”
PSD Lotto received medical attention and is now resting at home. Surrey Police said he is expected to make a full recovery.
“We are thankful for Lotto’s bravery and that his injuries aren’t more serious than they could have been,” Staff Sergeant Lindsey Houghton, Surrey Police Service Media Relations Officer, said in a media release. “We hope he recovers quickly and is back on the streets soon to help keep us all safe.”
A spokesperson for the LMD told CityNews the Integrated Police Dog Service is responsible for supporting frontline policing. While the number of PSDs fluctuates based on training cycles, injuries and transfers, fully staffed LMD IPDS has 48 positions with teams separated into four geographic regions.
