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.
(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)