A video of a Salisbury Police officer went viral after it showed the officer hitting and choking K9 officer Zuul. In the video, an officer can be seen getting out of a police S.U.V. as a helicopter buzzes overhead, leaving the back door of the car open. The police dog leaps from the vehicle and tries to follow the officer, but immediately lies down when the officer yells at him.

The officer then walks toward the dog and wrestles him into a leash. He then uses the leash to hoist him off the ground and sling him over his back before walking toward the car.

“We’re good, no witnesses,” an off-camera voice says.

The officer slams the dog against the side of the vehicle — a thud is heard — before pushing him inside. He yells “Stay!” before raising his hand and striking the dog.

“Is your camera on?” a second off-camera voice asks.

“Ah, no, my power’s off,” the person who appears to be recording says.

The Salisbury Observer is calling for the City of Salisbury and Police Chief Stokes to take action. This is animal abuse and is unacceptable.