Obi, a three-year-old German shepherd, was on frontline duties in Tottenham on 6 August when he was injured. His handler, PC Phil Wells, said they came under “heavy bombardment” with bottles, bricks and petrol bombs being thrown, and a brick hit Obi.
There were lots of objects coming at us, bottles, bricks, petrol bombs, street furniture, too many to count and one hit Obi on the top of the head. PC Wells checked Obi who he said seemed fine so went back to work trying to get control back over the streets. It wasn’t until their shift was over and they were packing the van to leave for the night that the officer saw the trickle of blood from Obi’s nose.
By this time it was clear Obi was lethargic which could have just been from the long and hard day. All the other dogs were tired as well and just wanted to lay down. The fact that there was bleeding from the left nostril could be a sign of head trauma. Obi was immediately taken to the Royal Veterinary School in Cambridge for a CT scan which showed he had a fractured skull above the left eye socket.
Obi has lived in Surrey with PC Wells, his wife Laura and two children since he was a puppy so it has been extremely emotional to see Obi injured the way he was. Obi is a full time Police Dog not a pet, when he is at home it is family time and he is part of the Wells family. “To see your best friend and work colleague get injured while at work is difficult but he is getting a lot support from everyone and he will be back fighting fit.” said PC Wells
He said all eight dogs in his unit on duty in Tottenham High Road that night suffered cut paw pads from broken glass and debris and some suffered cuts and broken teeth.
Thats so sad and makes me very mad!
How sad, hope he recovers soon!