Washington K-9 Wounded in Shooting to Lose Eye and Probably be Retired

Though his recovery has been better than expected, a Moses Lake, WA, K-9 wounded in a Friday shooting will lose an eye and likely be retired, according to Moses Lake Police.

K-9 Chief was shot in the eye during a police chase with 22-year-old Jose Rivera around 11 p.m. Friday, Chief Kevin Fuhr said Monday, and due to the severity of his injuries the eye will need to be surgically removed.

Some amount of shrapnel will be left inside the wound, Fuhr told the Columbia Basin Herald , as it is currently considered a critical risk to the dog’s health. Chief also sustained a fracture of his jaw, though it will not require surgery.

Though he declined to rule out the dog’s return to the force, Fuhr noted it was unlikely.