Emily Brown
A spokesperson for the first family has issued a statement after President Joe Biden's dog, Commander, was accused of biting at least seven people.
President Biden welcomed the German Shepherd to the White House in 2021 after receiving him as a gift from his brother, James Biden, and sister-in-law, Sara Biden.
Commander is now 22-months-old, but has been accused of portraying aggressive behaviour over a period of a few months.
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News of Commander allegedly having bitten a number of people has been reported by both The New York Post and CNN after reviewing US Secret Service communications obtained by a Freedom of Information Act request.
The Post reports Commander bit seven people in a four-month period, while CNN claims the dog was involved in a total of 10 incidents, including one that required an officer to go to a local hospital after Commander clamped down on his arm and thighs.
In another incident, first lady Dr. Jill Biden was said to have been unable to 'regain control' of Commander when he charged at a member of the Secret Service.
Other incidents are said to have occurred when Commander was walking around the grounds of the White House, not tethered to a leash.
Biden previously moved one of his dogs, Major, back to his family home in Delaware after he was involved in biting incidents.
Elizabeth Alexander, communications director for the first lady, addressed the accusations about Commander's behaviour in a statement, saying: “The White House complex is a unique and often stressful environment for family pets, and the First Family is working through ways to make this situation better for everyone.
“They have been partnering with the Secret Service and Executive Residence staff on additional leashing protocols and training, as well as establishing designated areas for Commander to run and exercise.
"According to the Secret Service, each incident referenced was treated similarly to comparable workplace injuries, with relevant notifications and reporting procedures followed. The President and First Lady are incredibly grateful to the Secret Service and Executive Residence staff for all they do to keep them, their family, and the country safe.”
Anthony Guglielmi, US Secret Service chief of communications, added that the service was 'aware' of incidents with pets.
“For the past several presidential administrations, the Secret Services has navigated how to best operate around family pets and these incidents are no exception. We take the safety and wellbeing of our employees extremely seriously,” he said.
“As such, we are aware of past incidents involving first-family pets and these instances were treated similarly to comparable workplace injuries, to include with relevant notifications and reporting procedures followed."
Guglielmi added that agents and officers 'continuously work with all applicable entities to minimize adverse impacts in an environment that includes pets.'"
UNILAD has reached out to the White House for further comment.