Georgia Police Dog Forced To Retire After Being Shot

AUSTELL, GA — A K-9 officer with the Austell Police Department will spend the rest of his days chasing squirrels instead of suspects following a shooting Sunday in which he was struck in the leg.

Jerry Lee was wearing a large blue cast on his left leg as he limped out of the Blue Pearl Animal Hospital on Tuesday to the waiting arms of his handler, Austell police Officer E. Reeves, according to a video shared by the department.

The police dog had to undergo emergency surgery Sunday after police exchanged gunfire with a man reportedly fleeing from officers during a traffic stop, reports WXIA-TV. Jerry Lee had chased after the man and was shot.

Although he's now out of surgery, Jerry Lee still has a "long hard road to go" with his recovery, according to the police department.

It also means he can no longer serve as a police dog.

Instead, Jerry Lee will spend his retirement living a “life of luxury” with Reeves and his family, according to the news station.