On Wednesday, the dog Commander of US President Joe Biden has been removed from the White House, a spokeswoman said, after it bit several staff members.
The Bidens have sent the two-year-old German Shepherd to an undisclosed place while they look at the “next steps” for the presidential dog.
The recent announcement came after CNN and Axios reported that Commander, who came to the White House as an adorable puppy in 2021, had been involved in more biting incidents than once known.
The Secret Service had admitted that 11 of its agents had been bitten, but CNN said the real number was higher and that the pooch had bitten other White House staff too.
Elizabeth Alexander, communications director for Biden’s wife Jill, said in a statement, “The President and First Lady care deeply about the safety of those who work at the White House and those who protect them every day. “They remain grateful for the patience and support of the US Secret Service and all involved, as they continue to work through solutions.”
“Commander is not presently on the White House campus while next steps are evaluated.”
There were no other details of the location of the Commander, or whether the step was permanent.
The last time the Commander was spotted at the White House was on September 30, when photographers saw him on the Truman balcony of the president’s private quarters.
The Bidens have formerly criticized the “stressful” atmosphere at the White House for the raucous manners of their pets.
The First Family introduced Commander amid splendid fanfare in December 2021, with Biden tweeting “Welcome to the White House.”
