Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office K-9 bites another handler at training conference in Rockwall, officials say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities said a Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office K-9 bit another canine handler while at a training conference in Rockwall on Sept. 29.

According to HCFMO, the canine and its assigned handler were attending the Texas K-9 Conference for training and annual recertification.

While in a common area of the hotel where conference participants were staying, the HCFMO canine bit a handler from a different organization, officials said. HCFMO said the canine was on a leash and was being handled by its handler when the incident happened.

Authorities said the injured handler initially declined medical treatment but later sought it after recommendations from medical professionals.

Officials said the canine was current on all required vaccinations and boosters, including rabies.

HCFMO said the canine was previously involved in other biting incidents. Authorities said the first incident was attributed to human error, while the second incident involved an HCFMO employee and resulted in a change of procedure.

Authorities said the incident at the conference remains under investigation.

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