SURREY - An RCMP dog handler has been placed on administrative duties and his police dog has been removed from service while the New Westminster Police investigate the mauling of a 16-year-old burglary suspect in Surrey.

The teen, who cannot be named because his identity is shielded by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is accused of breaking into FasGas Plus at 108th Avenue and Oriole Drive in Guildford last Saturday morning and stealing energy drinks.

Police allege he was fleeing from the scene when he was arrested. He sustained deep gashes to his face, a broken nose and puncture wounds.

The teen's parents are thinking about suing the police over the incident.

The Lower Mainland District RCMP asked the NWPD to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.

"We are concerned with the injuries sustained by the 16-year-old," said Chief Supt. Janice Armstrong, assistant commander and operations officer for the Lower Mainland RCMP.

"Given the circumstances, we have placed the dog handler on administrative duties and his police dog has been removed from operational duty while the New Westminster police department conducts their investigation."

Sgt. Diana McDaniel, of the NWPD, said she was unable to confirm the rank of the dog handler or say how long the investigation might take.

tzytaruk@thenownewspaper.com