Attribute to Superintendent Tony Hill, Northland District Commander:?
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A police dog stabbed this morning is recovering well at a local veterinary clinic.
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20-month-old Caesar was stabbed twice in the head this morning by a man who was resisting arrest.
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Both wounds have been stitched up and an X-ray shows no major damage.
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Caesar will undergo a CT scan in the next few days, to confirm there is no permanent damage around his eye.
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I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the veterinarian who assisted Caesar and his handler Constable Josh Van Der Kwaak this morning – their service was simply outstanding.
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I would also like to acknowledge the victim of the original burglary complaint, who assisted Constable Van Der Kwaak after Caesar was stabbed.
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Caesar and Constable Van Der Kwaak graduated from the Dog Training Centre in Trentham on 6 December and have only been operational together for the last two weeks.
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We are hopeful that Caesar will make a full recovery from his injuries and be back on the job shortly.
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A 30-year-old man will face charges of burglary and injuring a police dog in relation to this incident.
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ENDS
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Note for media: Constable Van Der Kwaak is unavailable for interview today.?