K-9 killed after biting deputy and refusing to let go, SC sheriff’s office says

A K-9 trained to work with deputies was killed after it bit an off-duty deputy and refused to let go, according to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office in Upstate South Carolina.

The attack happened late Sunday, May 21, and the deputy was hospitalized, according to a news release.

It took place “during a non-training activity” at the off-duty deputy’s home in Pickens County, the sheriff’s office said.

“The deputy, an experienced K-9 handler, was unexpectedly bit by the two-1/2-year-old male (Belgian) Malinois, and the dog failed to release despite repeated verbal commands and multiple attempts by witnesses to pull the dog off.”

A relative of the deputy “rushed out and discharged their own firearm at the dog to save the deputy,” according to the sheriff’s office. The dog died from the gunshot wound, officials said.

The deputy was taken to a hospital and “is expected to recover after some time,” officials said. Details of the injuries were not released.

Investigators say the dog was in the deputy’s care, but the two were not partners in the K-9 unit. “The injured handler was caring for the K-9, whose primary handler was away at training, as is standard practice,” officials said.

The incident is being investigated by the Professional Standards division of the sheriff’s office.

Belgian Malinois resemble German shepherds. They are known for being “strong and well-muscled” and developing “an unbreakable bond with” human partners, according to the American Kennel Club.

This story was originally published May 22, 2023 at 12:34 PM with the headline "K-9 killed after biting deputy and refusing to let go, SC sheriff’s office says."