K9 Lotto slashed during summer arrest
Investigators say officers with Surrey RCMP’s Provincial Operations Support Unit moved in on Aug. 4, 2025, after reports of two people stealing from a vehicle near 16900-block 86A Avenue. Police service dog Lotto from the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service tracked one suspect into a wooded area.
During the arrest, officers allege the man slashed Lotto with a knife. Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton later said the dog emerged holding a knife in his mouth, which alerted the handler to cuts on the K9’s neck and ear. Lotto needed stitches but recovered and has since returned to full duty, RCMP confirm.
Charges laid against Surrey suspect
Prosecutors have charged Travis Jeremy Muranaka, 48, in connection with the incident. The man charged with wounding police dog during Surrey, B.C. arrest faces one count of wilfully maiming a law‑enforcement animal, one count of theft, and two counts of possessing stolen property under $5,000.
Police also arrested a second suspect nearby that night. However, that individual has not been charged at this time.
Additional allegations and upcoming court date
Court records show Muranaka faces more alleged offences beyond the police dog attack. He is accused of theft over $5,000 from a separate incident on May 2 in Surrey. Two counts of breaching an undertaking were also laid, tied to Nov. 18, the same day he was released on $150 bail.
The man charged with wounding police dog during Surrey, B.C. arrest is expected back in Surrey provincial court on Jan. 23. Until then, the case continues to raise questions about penalties for harming police animals and how often repeat offenders cycle through the justice system.
Stay updated instantly — follow us on Instagram | Facebook | X
