Neglected dog saved by Northamptonshire Police officers

A three-year-old Belgian Malinois called Tina has been saved by Northamptonshire Police officers after she was seized from her owner.

In 2019, Piotr Komedera, aged 42, of Ollis Close, Corby, was served a Voluntary Control Order by the Force following an incident in which Tina bit a member of public.

The following year, officers had to take Tina off Komedera after she bit another member of the public as well as two police officers.

When she arrived in police kennels, it became clear that Tina lacked early socialisation and this tallied with eye-witnesses who spoke to police at the scene of the second spate of bitings who reported that she was often left for long periods on her own.

PC Eva Horn, Northamptonshire Police’s Dog Legislation Officer, said: “Tina was terrified when she first came in and our kennel staff had to work tirelessly to gain her trust.

“It can take a dog a couple of days to get used to a kennel environment, but it became evident that Tina was more than just a little nervous. She was terrified of a human’s touch and did everything to avoid contact. She would cower in the corner of her kennel, bark and snap at the air if we tried to approach her and she kept cowering and looking away, trying her best to hide from the world.”

The team at the kennels worked extensively with Tina and spent hours bonding with her. She was placed on a bespoke training program to increase her socialisation with others which she embraced with enthusiasm.

Eventually, she learnt to trust her handlers and the team saw an incredibly affectionate dog behind her insecurities. She was even introduced to the Police Dog Handlers at Northamptonshire Police to acclimate her to dealing with strangers.

PC Eva Horn continued: “Tina is incredibly intelligent and now loves spending time with all her handlers. She has really come out of her shell and is now a bouncy, sweet girl, who loves to play.”

Komedera pleaded guilty to four offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and on June 18, 2021, was sentenced at Northamptonshire Magistrates’ Court to 52 weeks in prison. He was also banned from keeping any dog for life.

A charity has now gladly agreed to take Tina on where she will be rehomed.

PC Eva Horn added: “Tina is as intelligent as she is affectionate. We will be sad to see her go but we are all excited that she gets a second chance in a loving home that will have the time for her. We all wish her all the best.”