Durban - Police dog Dante’s handler, Clinton Odayar, has indicated that Dante was well after sustaining bee stings over the weekend.
Dante and two dog handlers and a member of the public were also stung by bees in Nongoma while searching for a missing person.
In an update on Facebook on Monday night, Odayar said the pictures of Dante told a different story.
He jokingly questioned whether Dante had really been stung by bees, because he was running around as though nothing had happened.
“Guess he is well now,” Odayar said.
“Thank you all for the love and support shown towards my partner K9 Dante and also to the active role-players involved in ensuring his well being and safety during and after the incident.
“Westville Veterinary Hospital has been totally amazing,” Odayar said.
The Daily News recently reported that according to a source, police had located the body of a missing person on a cliff and while processing the scene, a swarm of bees stung them. A family member of the deceased collapsed as a result of the bee stings. K9 Dante's hind legs went limp and they began swelling.
Police had to leave the scene immediately and called for medical assistance. A South African Air Force helicopter stationed at the Virginia Airport Joint Operational centre in Durban North rushed to their aid.
K9 Dante was airlifted to a Westville veterinarian.
On Sunday, sources said the speedy response and actions of the South African Air Force members and medics on board the craft saved the K9’s life.
Dante is 9-years-old.
Odayar is also recovering.
Dante was part of the KZN Search and Rescue teams that responded to the devastating April floods in KZN. The rescue units were made up of front-line officers, K9 units, diving teams with various vessels, helicopters and fixed air-wing planes, who responded to the disaster, working co-operatively with local disaster management teams, emergency services and the South African National Defence Force.
Daily News