Man charged after police dog injured while responding to disturbance in Aberdeen

A man has been charged after a police dog was injured while officers were responding to a disturbance in Aberdeen.

Emergency services were called after a reports of a man with a knife in the Seaforth Road area, near Pittodrie Stadium, at around 4.50pm on Friday.

Officers, including a dog handler, were dispatched to the scene.

Police Dog Zeus, a six-year-old Belgian Malinois, was injured, taken to a vet and released following treatment.

A 27-year-old man was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment and released into police custody.

He was arrested and charged with various offences, including one under the Animal and Welfare Act.

The man is due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday.

Seaforth Road was closed at the junction with Park Road for investigation work to be carried out and re-opened around 1.15pm on Saturday.

Police Scotland said officers remain in the area for public assurance, and urged anyone with concerns to come forward.

Superintendent Ross Kelly said: “We believe this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing risk to the public. Thankfully no officers were injured.

“Our thoughts are with PD Zeus and his handler and we are hoping for a speedy recovery. Police dogs are an important and valuable resource and attacks on them will not be tolerated.

“Our dog branch plays a crucial role in keeping people safe and we cannot overstate the value that these highly skilled animals bring to policing.

“Officers remain in the area for public reassurance and anyone with concerns can approach them or call us on 101.”