But when a young family approached — mother, father, and their about five-year-old daughter holding a large teddy bear — Bim suddenly tensed. He froze, pinned back his ears, then suddenly lunged forward and started barking loudly at the girl, circling around her and sniffing the teddy bear.

“What are you doing?!” shouted the mother, sharply shielding her daughter and pulling her close. “Get the dog away!”

Alex pulled the leash and gave a command, but Bim did not obey. He continued barking and growling, eyes fixed on the plush toy.

“Excuse me, ma’am,” said the officer, “but I am required to check you. It’s a standard procedure. Please come with me.”