Every dog owner knows that dogs are not just pets, they're our family. Dogs offer unconditional love, companionship, and often provide invaluable services. Dogs and their owners do not deserve to live in fear or be subjected to cruelty. 

As someone deeply affected by an incident involving the South Yorkshire Police (SYP), I am calling for justice. SYP has gained notoriety for their recent killing of two harmless, bully type dogs in their own home. Police gained access to a property through kitchen windows when the dogs were secured in the kitchen, in spite of having keys to the front door of the house. The two dogs were chased up the stairs and at least 12 shots were fired. Despite the cries from neighbours who knew the dogs well and offered to remove the dogs safely, officers broke into the house and killed the dogs. The neighbours pleas were denied.

This ruthless act of the SYP, who were supposed to conduct a standard property search, raises serious questions about their decision-making process and respect for animal life. It's important to note that under the Animal Welfare Act (2006), it is illegal to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal. Many law enforcement agencies have specific protocols for dealing with animals during operations, this seems to have been overlooked in this instance.

The incident has left a lasting impact on me and on many members of our community who believe in the essential right of animals to safety and dignity. This is a clear call for measures to be be put in place to prevent similar future incidents and to hold accountable those involved.

This incident is just one in a series of distressing events involving this police force. In another a local man with his two well-behaved dogs on lead was approached by police in Barnsley city centre. One of the dogs was a bully breed and safely muzzled.

An officer asked for exemption documents for the bully breed dog. The man, not having the papers on him, should have been given an opportunity to produce the documents within five days, as is stated in the law. However, this legally required procedure was not followed and matters escalated, the unresisting man was wrestled to the ground with excessive force, with approx. 20 officers being involved,  the bully dog was taken off him by an officer and the second dog, a spaniel, was released into the crowd.  

Communication, proportionality, and respect for life and property must be at the heart of our Police force's actions. Today, we stand united in our demand for justice and accountability from SYP for their actions. It is essential that they change procedures to prevent such incidents from ever occurring again.  We must demand that Mayor Oliver Coppard,  head of the SYMCA and Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire, conduct a full investigation into the practices of the South Yorkshire Police. It's time for our voices to be heard. 

We must demand system and protocol changes and adequate training that not just ensure the welfare and safety of our beloved animals during law enforcement activities, but that actually prioritise it. 

Please sign this petition to demand justice and change.