Stabbed K-9 Officer Healing; Back At Work Next Month

A police dog that was stabbed in the neck is expected to be back on the job next month.

The dog was wounded in a Monday night incident in which officers in Tukwila shot a shoplifting suspect after the man stabbed the K-9.

Tukwila police said the man threatened them with a knife, which prompted offices to use a Taser on the man. Police said that when the man fell to his knees, he stabbed the K-9 officer behind the ear. The man was then shot by police.

The shooting prompted debate about whether the use of force was justified. An investigation into the incident is in progress.

Because of privacy laws, the condition of the man shot is not known.

On Thursday the dog, known as Gino, was wearing a bandage and harness around his neck where he was wounded but is recovering fine, police said.