- Dog attack incident: Police release bodycam footage after witness video surfaces
- Contextualizing the incident: Police respond to criticism by sharing their perspective through the footage
- Concern for public safety: Dog deemed a threat and officers used Taser to contain it
After a witness submitted the Coventry clip to social media, West Midlands Police released it.
Police bodycam footage depicting a dog attack has been released. The footage was captured moments before the animal was tasered and placed in a wheelie receptacle by officers.
A dog attacking other dogs in Coventry on Tuesday was caught on camera.
West Midlands Police released the video in response to a social media-posted witness video of officers tasing a dog and then placing it in a wheelie receptacle.
After officers’ actions were criticized online, the force stated that they believed their footage would “explain the context.”
West Midlands Police said in a statement released alongside the bodycam footage that the animal was “clearly out of control” and had attacked other canines before officers used the Taser.
Police stated that the dog posed a “threat” to adjacent people, including children. And had attacked a member of the public who was forced to defend himself with an umbrella.
After it was alleged that the dog had been killed, the police department released footage of the animal.
A spokesperson stated, “The dog was seized by the Dangerous Dogs Unit and has since been evaluated by a veterinarian and secured in kennels.”
The dog is well-cared for by kennel workers, and the owner knows about the police’s actions.
The police force stated, “Because the dog was out of control, officers utilized a Taser to prevent it from causing serious injury.”
Officers discovered a large wheelie container and put the dog inside to protect the public, themselves, and the dog.
“This was a dynamic situation, and we needed to contain the dog as soon as possible to eliminate the threat to the public.”
The spokesperson added, “The dog that was attacked is at home recovering.”
An individual was detained on suspicion of obstructing law enforcement, and investigations are ongoing.
