Hero police dog’s bravery sparks campaign for canine bullet proof vests
A HERO police dog killed in the line of duty has sparked a campaign to get bullet proof vests for his crime-fighting colleagues.
Jethro was killed as his handler was investigating a shop burglary
Animal lovers are raising money for body armour to stop another K-9 dog being killed on the frontline.
Jethro the German Shepherd died from his wounds after being hit by three bullets fired as his handler was investigating a shop burglary.
Police chiefs have hailed Jethro's bravery by saving fellow officers from being killed as the routine case turned into a deadly incident.
The three bullets missed Jethro's vital organs but struck him in the face, shoulder and neck, and despite intensive veterinary treatment, he died 24 hours after the shooting in Canton, Ohio.
Jethro is expected to be given full police honours at a service later this week, but the outpouring of public grief over his death has seen thousands of dollars raised for canine bullet proof vests.
One pet blogger alone helped raise more than $34,000 dollars within a day.
The brave police dog was shot in his face, shoulder and neck and was unable to recover
There was an outpouring of public grief over his death, with one pet blogger raising $34,000 alone
"There's no doubt in my mind that that dog saved officers' lives today," Canton Police Chief Bruce Lawver said in the aftermath of the weekend shooting as he praised Jethro's actions.
Hopes that Jethro would pull through faded as began suffering from a swelling to the brain.
As pictures of Jethro and his handler Ryan Davis went viral on the internet, the Police K-9 Association issued the following statement after the Stars and Stripes was laid over his body: "It is with heavy hearts that we must tell you all that we lost Jethro. He took a sudden turn for the worse and has passed."
The traditional Stars and Stripes flag was laid over Jethro's body