Roseville K-9 partially paralyzed by criminal has died

ROSEVILLE, Minn. - The Roseville police dog partially paralyzed by a criminal has died at age 11.

Officer John Jorgensen says his K-9 partner, Major, was euthanized this week at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center after contracting a bladder infection and pneumonia.

Jorgensen says Major, a German shepherd, had an active law enforcement career. He had pots broken over his head, was punched and kicked by suspects and nearly drowned chasing a man into a lake.

In 2010, a burglary suspect repeatedly stabbed the dog, leaving him paralyzed in his hind quarters. Major used a sling with wheels to get around in retirement.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press (  http://bit.ly/10tEUGJ)  says Major inspired new legislation in 2011 that made any assault that substantially harmed a police dog a felony.

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Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press,  http://www.twincities.com