Mountie sues RCMP after being bitten by police dog

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This article was published 21/03/2023 (961 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Manitoba Mountie is suing the RCMP after he was bitten by one of its own service dogs.

Const. Randal Metzler, 48, suffers from an “ongoing fear towards dogs” and nerve damage to his left leg following the March 25, 2021 attack, he alleges in a statement of claim filed last week in Manitoba Court of King’s Bench.

The statement of claim alleges Metzler, a 14-year member of the RCMP, was responding to a call for assistance arresting a suspect at a home in the Rural Municipality of Ritchot when he got out of his car and was bitten “multiple times” on his legs by an unleashed police service dog.

“The police dog was not properly leashed and was left to wander on her own accord by the police dog handler,” alleges the statement of claim.

The dog handler, an RCMP constable, is identified in the lawsuit but not named as a defendant.

The dog attacked Metzler “in an aggressive manner and… there were no warning signs or other indicators to inform him that the police dog was not leashed or otherwise restrained,” alleges the statement of claim.

Metzler was taken to Health Sciences Centre where he was treated for lacerations and puncture wounds to his legs.

Metzler alleges the RCMP, as owner of the dog, is liable for all damages he suffered as a result of the attack. Metzler alleges the RCMP was negligent in failing to warn him the dog might be dangerous, failing to keep him on a leash and failing to handle the dog in a “competent and safe manner.”

Metzler is claiming general damages for “ongoing pain, suffering and anxiety,” and special damages for medical expenses and psychological treatment.” No financial figure is specified in the statement of claim.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

In 2013, Metzler was awarded a Governor General’s Medal of Bravery for entering a burning building to save a disabled woman in Portage la Prairie in July 2009.

Metzler ran into a bedroom and tried to lift the woman, but became light-headed from smoke inhalation and ran outside for air. Fire services arrived and were able to bring the woman safely outside.

dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca