While the US presidential family commander tries to defend US President Joe Biden’s German Shepherd, its future is under evaluation after the animal bit several Secret Service agents.

Elizabeth Alexander, spokesperson for the first lady, Jill Biden, confirmed the expulsion to various American media on Wednesday.

The news comes after CNN reported that the German Shepherd has been involved in more incidents than the 11 confirmed by the Secret Service so far, and that the animal has also bitten members of the White House staff.

Several of his attacks have appeared in the media in recent months. The most recent occurred in late September, when the dog bit an officer who had to be treated by the complex’s medical staff.

Last November, another officer had to be hospitalized after being bitten on the arms and legs.

The commander, who had just returned from training, made headlines last Wednesday when the Secret Service, charged with protecting high-ranking officials, announced that one of its agents had been bitten on Monday.

Joe Biden with his pet Champ, one of the German dogs of the US presidential family, who died two years ago.

On Thursday, US media reported that the German shepherd, which arrived at the White House as a puppy in 2021, was involved in more bite attacks than previously known. It was a gift the president received from his family, months after the death of Champ, a German shepherd who accompanied the couple for thirteen years.

The White House indicated in July that the Bidens were considering giving the commander new training to get the situation under control, but CNN said Tuesday it had no confirmation whether this had taken place.

Major, another of the Bidens’ dogs, was also sent to Delaware for a time in 2021 to train for a dressage course after biting at least one White House staffer.

On the advice of specialists, the Biden family ultimately had to part with the animal and entrust it to friends who live “in a quieter environment.”

Presidential mascots

In American history, most presidential families have had the company of a pet in the White House: Barack Obama (2009-2017) had two Portuguese water dogs, Bo and Sunny, while his predecessor, George W. Bush (2001-2009) was alive with three dogs and a cat.

In 2018, the Bidens adopted another German shepherd, Major, who was brought to their Delaware residence after an attack on a member of the presidential security detail. (JO)