About the Service Canine Unit

History of the Winnipeg Police Canine Unit

The Winnipeg Police Canine Unit was established in 1971 with the purchase of three German Shepherd pups. One of these pups, P.S.D. AXEL, was one of the more notable service dogs in the history of the Winnipeg Police Service.

On January 15, 1975, detectives were attempting to apprehend an armed suspect wanted in connection with robberies at the Bank of Montreal, 464 Stradbrook Avenue as well as the Bank of Commerce on Notre Dame Street and Lipton Street. When detectives confronted the gunman he shot at police and attempted to flee the scene. Police Dog Handler Constable John Martin and P.S.D. AXEL were called to assist and they to were fired upon by the gunman. As Constable Martin returned fire P.S.D. AXEL pursued and lunged at the gunman, knocking him to the ground. As the gunman struggled with P.S.D. AXEL, he again attempted to shoot at police. He discharged his weapon, striking himself on the side of his head, killing himself instantly.

Later that year, P.S.D. AXEL was awarded the Canadian Bankers Association Award for his bravery during this incident.

Several years later, another Winnipeg Police Service Dog was recognized for his efforts. P.S.D. MITCH was awarded the Purina Hall of Fame Award of Distinction following an incident which occurred in December 1988.

On December 27, 1988 police attended the Champs Restaurant at Notre Dame Avenue and Sherbrooke Street regarding a burglar alarm. Upon discovering a break-in, P.S.D. MITCH and his handler Constable Boris Luhowy were called to search the premises. Moments after entering the dimly lit restaurant, Constable Luhowy was attacked by a knife-wielding male.

P.S.D. MITCH immediately attacked the male in order to protect his handler and was stabbed twice; once in the neck and once in the chest. In spite of his injuries, P.S.D. MITCH continued to bite at his attacker, and with the assistance of Constable Luhowy and several other officers the suspect was overpowered. Because of the quick actions of P.S.D. MITCH, Constable Luhowy received only superficial cuts from the knife. P.S.D. MITCH also recovered from his injuries.

Police dogs continue to protect their handlers and other officers, time and time again, often being the first ones into unknown or dangerous situations.

Police dogs are also invaluable as a community relations tool. Over the years, officers and their canine partners have participated in numerous presentations and public demonstrations to educate both children and adults alike.