LOS ANGELES : Police Dog Dies in Plunge After Training Exercise
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Nat, a black Labrador retriever employed in the battle against drug crime, jumped a four-foot wall and fell three stories to his death at a Los Angeles Police Department parking structure, police said Friday.
Nat had been working with the narcotics division for about three years, said Officer John Williams.
“Training is ongoing for working dogs,” he said. “After a training exercise yesterday, the dogs were romping around a little in the garage, waiting for their trainers to put them in a car,” said Officer Gordon Olson.
“The dog jumped over the wall into an opening in the structure and fell 50 to 60 feet to the ground,” he said. The accident happened at 555 Ramirez St.
“The canines are taught to sniff out drugs from suitcases, cars or just about anywhere,” Olson said. “They’re mainly taught to detect marijuana, cocaine and heroin.
“The dogs live with their police officers, so (the dog’s death) is very hard on his officer,” Olson said.
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