Toronto police dog expected to fully recover after being cut with machete

They say cats have nine lives but it appears one lucky dog will be fine with just one.

Lonca, atwo-year-old German shepherdwith Toronto police's canine unit, was attacked by a man with a machete Tuesday during a bust of an alleged gambling ring in North York. He was cut in the neck and rushed to an animal emergency centre.

A day later, the pooch appears poised to make a full recovery and looks to befeeling more like himself again.

• Police dog attacked with machete during bust

"The police dog received five stitches to its upper lip and twostaples to its paw," saidStaff Sgt. James Hung.

The dogs are assigned to each handlerand they take them home every night and care for them on a daily basis.- Toronto policeStaff Sgt. James Hung

Theincident came as a shock to the entire police canine unit, the staff sergeanttold CBC News.

"The dogs are assigned to each handlerand they take them home every night and care for them on a daily basis," Hung explained, adding when one is injured, that bond between man and dog is only strengthened.

The dog's humancompanion said the animal is his best partner and friend. Loncais expected toreturn to the force next week.

Three men in their 50s have been charged in connection with the alleged gambling ring.One man also faces charges of possession of a dangerous weapon and injuring an animal.

Hung said the man accused of injuring Loncacouldgo toprison forfive years, if he's convicted.