Latest Biting Incident
The Biden family’s younger German shepherd, the Commander, bit a Secret Service agent this week. This incident marks the 11th time that the Commander has bitten an agent since moving into the White House in December 2021.
The biting occurred around 8 PM on Monday. The agent received medical treatment and is doing okay, according to the Secret Service.
History of Concerns
This is just the latest worrying incident involving the Biden family pets. Emails obtained earlier this year by Judicial Watch showed that Secret Service agents have repeatedly raised concerns about Commander. In one incident last November, a dog bit an agent on the arm and legs, and the agent had to go to the hospital.
Agents said they worry it is “only a matter of time” before the dog seriously injures someone. The First Lady has also apparently lost control of Commander in the past.
Removal of Major
The Secret Service says they take staff safety seriously. But they don’t actually handle or care for the presidential pets themselves.
Someone brought in Commander last year after the death of Biden’s older German shepherd, Champ. The hope was that he would be a playmate for Major, the other Biden dog.
But Major himself bit someone earlier this year, and someone removed him from the White House after several “biting incidents”. He now lives with family and friends in a quieter setting.
Concerns About Commander
This latest incident shows that Commander may also struggle with the busy White House environment. It raises concerns about the safety of staff who work around the first family’s pets. With two out of three dogs now displaying aggressive behaviour, many will be wondering if there are better ways to manage the animals.
Need for Changes
The White House has not commented on whether they will implement any additional changes or training for Commander after this latest incident. But someone clearly needs to do something to prevent Commander from further harming Secret Service agents and other staff.
