Working as a cop in South Africa is so dangerous that even police dogs are being fitted with bulletproof vests.

The 4 1/2-pound jackets, tough enough to stop knives and small bullets, were put into service after two K-9’s were stabbed trying to stop a thief in the KwaZulu Natal province.

“We expect the dogs to do the dangerous work – and now we are able to give them the same kind of protection their handlers have,” said Police Capt. Cobus Noeth.

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Plenty of people thought Britain’s royal family was relocating to the Buffalo suburb of Amherst when real-estate notices stated “Her Majesty the Queen” had bought property there.

But the buyer turned out to be the Canadian Consulate, which shortens its official name: “Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Canadian Consulate General, Buffalo, N.Y.”

“When we bought the home, everyone thought Queen Elizabeth was moving to Buffalo,” said Beverly Deinhart of the consulate.

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Here’s one Olympics New York won’t be bidding for – the Rat Olympics.

The event, to be held next week at Nebraska Wesleyan College, will feature rodents competing in track, weight-lifting and the long jump. They’ll vie for gold, silver and bronze medals.

Psych Professor Spencer Morrison says spectators will be amazed by the rats’ ability and agility.

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The government offices in Stark County, Ohio, have started resembling a lingerie shop – thanks to a mysterious visitor who’s been leaving women’s underwear behind.

The dainties, including panties, lacy slips and a black silk teddy, have been found lying on computer terminals and on window sills in the Canton building.

“If it’s a joke, I can take a joke,” said county recorder Rick Campbell. “But it has been escalating.”

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Members of a Brazilian family had to flee their home after a flood brought human remains and coffins floating into the house.

It happened after heavy rains washed through a cemetery in the Duque de Caxias area of Rio de Janeiro, and limbs, bones and pieces of coffin washed up into the residence.

“The cemetery wall collapsed, and earth, mixed with body parts and coffins, went right into the nearest house,” one graveyard worker said.