The police dog handler shot in the face in Christchurch earlier this month does not yet know when he will be able to return to work.

Bruce Lamb says the incident has not put him off policing, but he is not sure whether he will stay a dog handler as the loss of Gage will take some time to get over. He says Gage, who was killed during the confrontation, was hugely courageous and saved him from being shot a second time.

Mr Lamb says he will regret for a very long time, leaving the dog in the middle of the road.