Ranger attacked by pack of dogs

Less than a week on the job, the Benton Police Department's new canine, Ranger, sustained injuries when he was attacked by a pack of dogs at his handler's residence.
According to initial reports, Ranger was undergoing training with his handler, Officer Mark Wilkey, late Sunday night when the attack occurred.
About four dogs owned by Wilkey's neighbor in the Hill City area turned on Ranger in an unprovoked attack, according to Chief of Police Kyle Melvin. The attack took place around 10 p.m., according to Thad Snell, Franklin County animal control supervisor, who responded to the incident.
Don Storey, police and fire commissioner, said while Ranger was out of his pin, the pack of dogs jumped on his back. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to local veterinarian Dr. John Spence.
"He was still bleeding Monday, but not too badly," Storey learned after consulting Melvin. "He's (Ranger) going to be fine, according to the vet. We think he'll be able to return to work in a day or two."
"His next regular day to work is Wednesday so he (Ranger) won't miss any work," Melvin said. "Both Mark and Ranger are ready to get out on the street and get back to work."
Charges are pending against the neighbor. Snell is continuing his investigation into the incident. Snell told Melvin that 17 dogs have been relinquished by the owner following Sunday night's incident.
Wilkey and Ranger were introduced at a city council meeting a week ago Monday and started their duties in the city on Wednesday. Ranger's kennel is at Wilkey's residence.
The canine unit was organized by Storey and Melvin, who were able to get enough private donations through fundraisers and raffles, to finance the project. The canine unit will be used for drug trafficking, to track down lost youth or elderly and to assist in the apprehension of criminal suspects.