Collision injures MPD drug dog

Marshall Police Department's drug dog, Boomer, identifies a locker that smells of marijuana during a sweep of Bueker Middle School Tuesday, March 15, 2011. Marijuana samples were placed in lockers to test Boomer's skill.
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)

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MPD's drug dog, Boomer, suffered a leg injury after being struck by a car on Thursday, July 26.

Police Chief Mike Donnell said the injury can be corrected, and Boomer will have surgery as soon as possible.

"His leg is repairable," Donnell said. "He will go under this morning or this afternoon."

Yesterday afternoon, Boomer darted out into the street during a bathroom break. MPD officers hollered for him to come back. But before Boomer returned, a car had clipped the dog's leg.

"It was very out of character," Donnell said. "Generally, he's not very far from his handler."

Boomer has worked as MPD's drug dog since June 2009. Donnell said the handler and MPD as a whole have struggled with Boomer's injury.

"Yesterday, I was actually more concerned about my handler than I was about the dog," Donnell said.

Donnell anticipates Boomer will require six weeks for recovery.

Until Boomer heals, Missouri State Highway Patrol's drug dog, Cupcake, will cover his duties.