On 07/05/2023, two dogs were shot dead by Metropolitan Police Officers after reports of one of the dogs biting a member of the public. 

Witness reports and video footage show the dogs distressed and being provoked by officers before being shot. Both dogs were on a lead at the time, when an officer shot down one of the dogs, leaving the other frightened and worried. A number of officers attempted to detain a man using a taser. 

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, canines are a protected species with them being classified as a sentient being.

The remaining dog was still on a lead and was under control by another officer. The dog attempted to flee and approach the owner. At this point the officer shot the animal. 

Video footage evidently shows the immense fear of the dog after being tasered and provoked due to numerous efforts to restrain the animal by the officer. This increases stress experienced by the animal, resulting in it attempting to flee the scene. 

The way in which the officers acted during this event has caused uproar amongst animal lovers around the nation. 

Now is the time to put an end to the killing of animals, and enforce higher standards of training to officers dealing with animals deemed to be ‘dangerous’ by the Metropolitan Police. If officers were to of had training in proper restraint and handling of animals, this would not have happened.