Quanto remembered: RCMP mark anniversary of Edmonton police dog’s death

EDMONTON – Alberta Mounties have unveiled a plaque at their headquarters in Edmonton to mark the first anniversary of a police dog’s death in the line of duty.

Quanto, an Edmonton Police Service canine, was stabbed Oct. 7, 2013, in the RCMP headquarters parking lot while he was helping to apprehend a fleeing suspect.

Efforts to save the dog were unsuccessful and Quanto died of his injuries.

Deputy Commissioner Marianne Ryan, who is commanding officer of the RCMP in Alberta, Edmonton police Chief Rod Knecht (kuh-NEHKT’) and employees from both agencies were at the unveiling.

The plaque hangs by the employee entrance of the headquarters, about 100 metres from where Quanto was stabbed.

The federal government has introduced a law named after Quanto that would make it a criminal offence to injure or kill police dogs or other service animals.

“Police dogs are loyal partners who do what is asked of them. A year ago today, Quanto did what was asked and died because of it,” said Ryan.

“Quanto’s death was a loss felt by the entire Canadian police community across Canada, and particularly here at K Division, where it hit very close to home.”

The man who killed Quanto was sentenced last February to 26 months in prison for a string of criminal offences, including animal cruelty. He was also banned from owning a pet for 25 years.