A Toronto police dog suffered serious injuries after being cut with a machete during a raid on an alleged illegal gambling operation in North York, police say.

Lonca, a one-year-old German Shepherd, was helping officers execute a search warrant on Monday at a home in the area of Senlac Road and Churchill Avenue when a suspect tried to flee the scene.

“A male suspect darted out of a side door wielding a machete and was engaged by (Lonca),” said Toronto police Det. Sgt. Norm Proctor

The suspect allegedly chopped at Lonca several times, slashing the dog’s neck.

Police say the suspect was soon subdued and taken into custody.

Lonca was rushed to a veterinary hospital and is now receiving treatment. The dog is expected to make a full recovery and be back in about a week, police say.

Phuoc Dang, 56, has been charged with injuring an animal, possessing the proceeds of crime, and possession of a dangerous weapon.

Police have also charged 55-year-old Minh Pho with possession of the proceeds of a crime.

While the dog is expected to make a full recovery, the police department was affected by the incident.

“These police dogs put their lives on the line every day just like the human officers do, so when one of them gets injured, we’re all affected by it,” Proctor said. “The dogs are one of us. We take great pride in them.”

Investigators also raided a second alleged illegal gaming facility in the area of Jane Street and Finch Avenue West.

Police say a large quantity of cash and other evidence was seized from the property.

Thi Tran, 52, was taken into custody and is facing multiple charges, including keeping a common gaming or betting house and possession of the proceeds of crime.

All three suspects appeared in court on Tuesday morning.