Police dog Lotto suffered minor injuries during a Surrey arrest on Aug. 4. He is now recovering after helping track theft suspects in a wooded area.
K9 Officer Injured During Early Morning Arrest
A police dog assisting in an arrest in Surrey, B.C., was injured in the line of duty on the morning of August 4, but is expected to fully recover, according to RCMP.
Incident Unfolds in Surrey’s Fleetwood Area
At approximately 6:30 a.m., officers from the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit responded to a theft from vehicle report in the 16900-block of 86A Avenue. Two suspects fled the scene on foot, prompting the deployment of a police dog team to assist in locating them.
Dog Tracks Suspect into Wooded Area
Police service dog Lotto, a member of the Lower Mainland District Integrated Police Dog Service, tracked one of the suspects into a wooded area. During the arrest, Lotto was allegedly slashed with a knife. Despite the injury, he successfully recovered a weapon and other items believed to be linked to the theft.
Arrests Made, Investigation Continues
While Lotto and his handler detained one suspect, a second was arrested nearby by other officers. Both individuals were released on undertakings pending further investigation, police confirmed in a news release.
Lotto Receives Medical Care
Following the incident, Lotto was taken to a veterinary clinic where he received treatment for minor injuries. Staff confirmed the K9 officer is recovering at home and expected to return to duty after a full recovery.
Praise and Concern from Police Leadership
Staff Sgt. Derek King, Unit Commander of the Integrated Police Dog Service, emphasized the risks police dogs face daily. “Our service dogs are often put in unpredictable and dangerous situations. When one is injured, it affects us all,” he said. “We are happy to share that PSD Lotto is resting at home and expected to make a full recovery.”
Surrey Police Service Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton also expressed gratitude, stating, “We’re thankful Lotto’s injuries weren’t more serious. We hope to see him back keeping our streets safe soon.”
Lotto: A Valued Member of the Force
Lotto, who was profiled by BC RCMP in April 2024, is trained in explosive detection and tactical response. Beyond his duties, he’s known for his playful bond with handler Const. Bryan Bradshaw, especially his love for fetch.
The incident serves as a reminder of the critical roles police service dogs play in frontline law enforcement—and the risks they face protecting communities.
