Toronto

Toronto police dog attacked with machete as officers bust gambling ring

A Toronto police dog is recovering after he was attacked by a man with a machete when officers showed up to investigate an illegal gambling ring.

3 Toronto men facing gaming charges

Lonca is recovering after the dog was attacked with a machete while helping people make an arrest Tuesday. (Submitted: Toronto Police Services)

A Toronto police dog is recovering after he was attacked by a man with a machete when officers showed up to a home to investigate an illegal gambling ring Tuesday.

Police officers arrested three Toronto men after officers seized large amounts of cash at two North York homes.

When police entered a home near Senlac Road and Churchill Avenue, a man rushed outside carrying a machete, according to a police report. Officers told him to drop the weapon, but police allege he would not.

Machete attack

That's when Lonca moved in.

The accused swung the machete at the dog's neck, cutting him.

He was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital and received stitches, police said.

Three men in their 50s are facing charges connected to the alleged gaming ring. One also faces charges of possession of a dangerous weapon and injuring an animal.

Lonca is expected to make a full recovery, police said.