FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — The Fayetteville Police Department released a statement Friday afternoon in response to a video that went viral on social media showing an officer punching a dog during a call.
Police said they received several complaints and comments expressing concerns about an incident involving a K-9 handler and a K-9 that occurred on June 23. Police said each comment was fully documented and listened to.
“While we appreciate the concerns expressed by members of the public and groups concerned about animal welfare, this case was handled in accordance with agency policy and the law, taking into account due process and the rights of those involved,” the agency added in a statement.
Fayetteville Police said after an internal investigation, on the day of the incident, the police dog handler and dog were requested to “sniff” the exterior of a lawfully stopped motor vehicle in the parking lot of a Walgreens on Owen Drive. The dog tested positive on the passenger side of the vehicle. The dog continued to search and sniff the vehicle as directed and trained by its handler. Police said the dog exited the suspect's vehicle, got behind the handler and bit him in the thigh.
According to the incident report, the handler attempted to correct the K-9's behavior with verbal commands and “collar manipulation,” but the K-9 continued to bite and would not let go, forcing the handler to try to control the K-9 and stop the attack, despite being bitten.
The incident report also states that approximately 10 seconds after the bite, the handler struck the K-9 a total of seven times with his fist. The K-9 finally stopped biting after the seventh strike, and the handler did not further strike the dog. The handler then grabbed the K-9's collar and lifted it off the ground. The K-9 again attempted to bite the handler, but this time the officer placed his hand over the dog's muzzle. The K-9 was then placed in a kennel and the dog was instructed to comply, ending the incident, Fayetteville police said.
Police said the trainer was treated for injuries sustained during the incident, and a veterinarian examination after the incident found no recorded injuries to the K-9.
Fayetteville Police also released other details about the internal investigation.
- An independent witness not affiliated with the Fayetteville Police Department gave evidence.
- The officer who requested the K-9 team provided a statement.
- The relevant officials have issued a statement.
- Three law enforcement recordings of the incident were produced (two body cameras and one dashcam), each providing a different perspective of the incident.
- The incident was investigated by the company's “master handler” and chain of command.
- Training records for the K-9 team (handler and K-9) were reviewed.
- The case was investigated by three independent, outside “master handlers” from agencies across the state.
- The incident was investigated by the International Police Canine Association.
- The case was investigated by an attorney.
Police said they have no further information to share with the public regarding this incident at this time.
