Yellowknife (Feb 10/06) - A Yellowknife MLA wonders whether it would be better to trade in the RCMP's new police dog for one that doesn't bite good samaritans.

Lasse, a five-year-old German Shepherd police dog, is on the hot seat after biting a good samaritan trying to help police track down a fleeing suspect. - NNSL file photo

Lasse, a five-year-old German shepherd, only joined the RCMP's G-Division last fall, but has already been at the center of controversy twice.

In December, a man being chased by police claimed the dog continued to bite him even after he surrendered.

He has since filed a formal complaint.

On Monday, CJCD radio host Paul McMullan was bitten after attempting to help chase down a suspect who was fleeing from police. RCMP say McMullan was perceived by the dog as a threat to its handler.

He was later medevaced to Edmonton for treatment of bite wounds to his arm and leg.

On Wednesday, Kam Lake MLA Dave Ramsay asked Justice Minister Brendan Bell whether G-Division was given a "second-rate dog."

He said people may be less inclined to help police now for fear of being attacked.

"People are going to be worried this dog will be around the corner and attack them," said Ramsay, who originally supported the RCMP's desire to acquire the police dog last year.

Lasse was born and trained in Denmark. He cost the RCMP headquarters $85,000.

The dog has only been in Yellowknife since late November.

Although the detachment had a drug sniffing dog two years ago, the last full-service police dog in the Northwest Territories retired in 1975.

Bell defended the canine, saying he has been instrumental in helping police track down illicit drugs.

"This is the first instance where a bystander was injured," said Bell. "I don't want people to think this dog is a danger."

"Subbing this dog out" is not an option, Bell added.

He did say, however, that Monday's incident will be reviewed.

According to a police statement, McMullan was bitten after directing police to two males fleeing on foot at an undisclosed location. They were observed earlier riding a stolen snowmobile.

Police say McMullan was warned to stay clear, but came running onto the scene after which the dog "engaged" him.

Sgt. Francis Cullen said the dog was acting "completely within policy."

"It was a sad situation and unforeseen where someone chose to enter into the scene," said Cullen.

"The training the dogs and handlers go through assure that situations like this don't happen, but unfortunately, there are instances that do take place."

- with files from Dorothy Westerman