A Lake Charles police dog suffered minor injuries Wednesday night during a routine jumping exercise in south Lake Charles, officials said.

Sgt. Richard Harrell said the 41⁄2-year-old Belgian Malinois, Kieno, tried to jump over a wrought-iron fence in a secluded parking lot when the back section of his stomach got caught on a post, which punctured his skin, resulting in an open wound.

Kieno was taken to University Animal Clinic, where he underwent minor surgery. He was later released with medication. “His handler is taking care of him,” Harrell said. “There were no life-threatening injuries. The fence did not catch an organ. He’s going to be fine.”

Harrell said the department’s K-9 unit has set training days for its dogs. On slow days, however, a handler typically takes a dog out to spend some extra time sharpening its skills. Training often includes tracking and drug recognition. Kieno was injured during an off-time training session.

The Belgian Malinois is often used in police and military work.(MGNonline)

Brad Puckett