A canine cop named Kaiser has been given a Bravery Award at the venerable Crufts dog show after risking his own life to save his handler from a knife attack.
It was in May, 2021 when Metropolitan Police Dog Kaiser was stabbed six times as he, and handler, PC Mark Woolcott, were searching for an intruder in the back garden of a house on Luxted Road in Orpington.
Kaiser not only located the man, but subdued him while taking the brunt of the attack.
“Despite his injuries, Kaiser was able to keep control of the man for long enough to allow officers to take hold of him,” police explained.
This week, Crufts gave the Kaiser a special citation by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
“We’re extremely proud that Kaiser’s bravery has been recognised by the NPCC at Crufts,” Inspector Kristian Leighton of the Met’s Taskforce said in a statement.
“The bravery shown by Kaiser is a stark reminder of the danger, uncertainty and risk that our officers and animals face working on the frontline every day. We will continue our unwavering commitment to protect the public and keep London safe,” Insp. Leighton added.
After the incident, police said Kaiser was “lucky to be alive.”
Police Dog Kaiser @MetTaskforce is “lucky to be alive” and an officer is facing weeks off work with a broken wrist following a knife attack in #Orpington
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 1, 2021
Despite being stabbed in the head five times, Kaiser kept hold of the man until he was arrested.
Well done Kaiser!
When the two officers found the man, Kaiser was stabbed five times on the top of his head and once below his eye.
He was taken for immediate veterinary care and “narrowly avoided” a long-last injury.
“Kaiser’s actions undoubtedly prevented potential life threatening injuries to his handler PC Woolcott and the wider public,” police added.
Kaiser is now recovered and enjoying retirement.
He is one very good boy.
“Well done Kaiser,” police posted after the award. “The ulti-mutt partner!”
RPD Kaiser received a special award at @Crufts Sunday. He was recognised for his bravery after being stabbed in the head whilst detaining a suspect.
— London Retired Police Dogs Trust (@lrpduk) March 17, 2022
Now retired, & his injuries healed Kaiser will be fully supported by @lrpduk should he need assistance in his retirement
🐶🐾💙 pic.twitter.com/2bOFvYPaJ6
