Quanto's law brings closure after police dog's death, say police

Quanto's law, the  proposed amendment to the criminal code to protect police service dogs and horses, is one step toward closure in the dog's death earlier this month, says Edmonton Canine Unit acting Staff Sgt. Troy Carriere.

"It doesn't bring complete closure to what happened, but it's a start," Carrierre said one day after returning from Ottawa where he and Quanto's handler, Const. Matt Williamson, attended the Speech from the Throne.

• Quanto's killing prompts call for law to protect police dogs
• Edmonton police dog fatally stabbed in chase

"They've really done a very good job dealing with the scope of what we can deal with out on the street,"
 he said.

Carriere also announced that the EPS will host a memorial for Quanto on Oct. 27th.

The amendment means that for the first time it will be against the law to harm or kill a police dog in the line of duty.

Previously the strongest charge that could be laid was cruelty to an animal.

Quanto was killed following a police chase on Oct. 7th.

The suspect left the vehicle after a crash at 111th Avenue and 109th Street and was chased by Const. Matt Williamson and police service dog Quanto, a five-year-old German shepherd with four years of decorated service.

Quanto was stabbed repeatedly when he approached the suspect.

The 27-year-old man, wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for armed robberies in Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, Ont., was charged with possession of a weapon, dangerous driving, resisting arrest, criminal flight and possession of stolen property.