Source : Perth Now news
Queensland police have moved to defend the actions of its officers after a dog was shot dead in the middle of a busy neighbourhood street, minutes after it was run over by one of its vehicles.
The incident in Pioneer, a suburb of Mount Isa, has sparked a wave of grief and outrage from the local community after distressing footage circulated on social media, with calls for the officers involved to be investigated by the RSPCA.
Police say the dog ran out from under or behind a parked car while their marked vehicle was travelling at low speed along Mill Street about 3.40pm on Sunday.
“Neither the driver nor the passenger saw the dog prior to the impact,” a police statement read.
“A supervising officer attended the scene within three minutes, and the dog was showing obvious signs of trauma injuries and was in distress.
“The decision was made to euthanise the dog immediately to avoid further suffering for the dog.
“This incident was traumatic for the officers involved, the community and the dog’s owners, however it was considered the most humane and suitable course of action available at the time.”
Police said the family had been spoken to and body-worn camera vision had been reviewed.
“We have confirmed the animal was significantly injured and the actions taken by officers was to prevent prolonged suffering and further distress.”
The incident would be reviewed in line with policy and procedures governing all police use of force incidents.
A Facebook post with video showing the aftermath has attracted a furious response, with commenters urging the police involved to be investigated by the RSPCA.
“Report them to your nearest animal welfare centre and ask that they be charged for cruelty to animals,” one person wrote.
Another commented, “OMG poor dog such dangerous gun behaviour on a crowded public street.”
Yet another added, “If the dog was in a bad way after being hit by the car, it should have been taken to a vet ASAP and put down humanely if there was no hope of recovery. Shooting the poor thing in front of its owners and the community, while people were screaming and crying, is absolutely heartbreaking. I find this behaviour unprofessional and disgusting from law enforcement.”
RSPCA Queensland told The Nightly it was aware of the incident.
“Any seriously injured animal should receive prompt assistance, and where euthanasia is the best option to prevent further suffering, it should be carried out promptly, using a method that minimises pain, fear and distress,” a spokesperson said.
“Given the matter is subject to a review by QPS we’ll not be making any further comment.”
