Fence-Hopping Canine Gets New Job In Law Enforcement

RIVERSIDE (AP) —  A fence-hopping canine that was too much for his owners to handle could have a future as a law enforcement service dog.

Riverside County Animal Services said Wednesday that Koa, an energetic 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, will be heading off for training at a private corrections company in Arizona.

Koa ended up in Southern California shelters twice since December after escaping from home by leaping a six-foot fence. His owners reluctantly decided to give Koa up, afraid he could be hit by a car.

Officials say workers at an animal rescue recognized Koa's potential as a service animal and found the new home for him.

Belgian Malinois are commonly used by law-enforcement organizations for search-and-rescue operations and other police work. The U.S. Secret Service employs the breed exclusively.

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