‘Inhumane’: PETA calls for phase-out of police dogs

The animal rights organisation PETA has issued a statement calling for the phasing out of police dogs following recent riots, arguing that their use is inhumane and poses a risk to both animals and humans.

PETA’s statement highlights the potential for police dogs to inflict serious injuries on individuals, even when their handlers intend only to subdue suspects. The organisation points to incidents where dogs have been deployed in situations that could have been handled more humanely, such as crowd control and property damage.

“Police dogs are often subjected to intense training regimes that can cause them psychological distress,” PETA’s statement reads. “The stress of being deployed in high-stakes situations can also lead to aggressive behaviour, putting both the dog and the public at risk.”

The organisation argues that there are more effective and humane methods of law enforcement that do not involve the use of animals. PETA suggests that police departments should invest in advanced technology, such as drones and body cameras, to assist in crowd control and the apprehension of suspects.

While some police departments have defended the use of police dogs, citing their effectiveness in law enforcement, PETA’s call for a phase-out has sparked a debate about the ethical implications of using animals in this way. The organisation’s statement is likely to generate further discussion and scrutiny of police practices involving dogs.