The Humane Society of the United States is applauding the N.C. State Highway Patrol's decision to disband its canine unit and build a new one that does not use aggressive training tactics and solely uses dogs for sniffing out narcotics.
N.C. Crime Control Secretary Bryan Beatty and patrol Commander Walter J. Wilson Jr. announced the plan on Monday, Dan Kane reports.
"We commend Secretary Beatty and Colonel Wilson for working to ensure that all dogs employed by the North Carolina Highway Patrol are treated in a humane manner, and that all officers who handle these animals are fully and properly trained," said Amanda Arrington, the society's North Carolina state director.
The patrol suspended the unit after testimony in a personnel hearing seven months ago showed that troopers were using harsh training tactics such as swinging and suspending dogs by their leads, shocking them with stun guns and throwing plastic bottles filled with pebbles at them.
The hearing was held to determine if Sgt. Charles L. Jones should get his job back.
More after the jump.
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A cell phone video had showed him kicking his dog Ricoh after tying the dog up so that his hind legs barely touched the ground. A medical exam showed no injuries to the dog and authorities decided not to press animal cruelty charges.
Jones has won two administrative decisions to get his job back, but the patrol has appealed the case to state Superior Court.
The new canine unit, which is expected to be up and running by mid-2009, will not use the same dogs or troopers. The patrol will train new canine officers in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection standards, and acquire six labrador retrievers, a breed known to be obedient and friendly. Labrador retrievers also are good at sniffing out narcotics.
Last month, the society requested Beatty create written protocols to ensure humane training methods within the canine unit. The society also suggested the state change its animal cruelty law to close a loophole that exempts from prosecution "anyone who claims that an act of animal abuse was a good faith attempt at training an animal."
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Re: Humane Society applauds K-9 decision
Any officer or human being that mistreats a animal as this officer did should be punished to the max instead of getting off scot free and getting his job back as well. This officer is a real poor role model for others in how to train their dogs to obey and follow orders. I still have problems trying to understand why this officer was so mean to his dog and friend and protector.