SUNDAY 7th MAY 2023 on the Limehouse Cut, Tower Hamlets - The metropolitan police publicly executed two dogs.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct will investigate the public execution of Marshall and Millions.

This is not enough.

We, the Public demand a change to police policy and procedure for the management of dog related incidents. We demand a change to legislation that would mean an animal welfare representative must be present when police officers attend dog related incidents.

 

 

Marshall and Millions were American XL bullies. This breed IS NOT subject to prohibition under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Evidenced in videos and photographs, both dogs appeared to be healthy, cared for, loved and of reasonable temperament.

When police swarmed the Limehouse Cut, the dogs showed NO SIGN of unprovoked agression. As documented in numerous recordings of the incident made by members of the general public, the dogs in fact appeared to be scared, and confused. In these videos it can also be seen that the police make no effort to de-escalate the situation - they approach and proceed in a threatening way.

 

 

REASONABLE AND PROPORTUNATE FORCE was not employed by the police. They can be seen in the videos recorded by the public to be escalating the situation, and increasing any potential risk by their actions.

Although under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, vets, councils and police officers have the powers to euthanize dogs they "deem to be out of control", any vague signs of Millions and Marshall acting in a defensive way was as a direct result of SIX METROPOLITAN POLICE OFFICERS SHOUTING, POINTING A FIREARM AND ACTING IN A THREATENING WAY TOWARDS THE DOGS AND THEIR HUMAN. And keep in mind, these dogs were still technically puppies. 9 months old and 18 months old.

 

 

The needless public execution of these to pups was entirely heartless and inhumane. Horrified residents and members of the public watched as the police shot one dog (whose lead was tethered to the other dogs lead) and then shot and killed the other. These pups were on leads. They had collars on. They were controllable. The only reason their owner had dropped the leads was due to him being tasered by the police.

THE POLICE CAUSED THIS SITUATION. THEY MISHANDLED THIS SITUATION. THEY USED UNREASONABLE DISPROPORTIONATE FORCE.

Trauma and fear after observing this incident has rippled through the general public. Distrust towards the police among the general public and dog owners is undeniable.

The actions of the metropolitan police has refreshed and exacerbated public distrust of this police force. Dog owners now live in fear of mistakes being made, and lack of investigation and evidence, leading to the needless destruction of their beloved companions.

SAFEGUARDING TO PROTECT OUR DOGS FROM THE MISCONDUCT AND INCOMPETENCE OF THE POLICE IS NOW ABSOLUTELY AND EVIDENTLY VITAL. 

POLICE OFFICERS ARE NOT ANIMAL BEHAVIOURISTS! POLICE OFFICERS ARE NOT QUALIFIED AND CLEARLY CANT BE TRUSTED TO MAKE THE SENSITIVE JUDGEMENT CALL ON WHEN ITS NECESSARY TO EUTHANIZE A DOG.

WE, THE PEOPLE DEMAND CHANGE.