Salisbury Police Under Scrutiny For Questionable K9 Training Tactics

Police departments have their ways of training dogs who render the necessary at times. However, a video of how a K9 was being trained has resulted in the investigation of a North Carolina officer after the clip appeared to show him attacking the dog during alleged training.

The identity of the police officer has been kept under wraps. In the video, he could be seen slinging the dog over his shoulder by the leash. From there, it appeared that he slammed the dog into an SUV and slapping it on the head.

Even more disturbing were the comments that could be heard on the video. One said, “We’re good, no witnesses.” Another said: “Is your camera on?” in the clip obtained by Fox46.

The Salisbury Police Department called a press conference to address that matter with police chief Jerry Stokes explaining that the officer and the canine have been separated. He added that the dog was not harmed and is healthy. The K9 named Zuul was present during the press conference.

"The canine involved in this matter is safe, has suffered no effects from this incident, and the officer in this matter will be treated fairly in accordance with SPD policy," Stokes stated.

Stokes went on to try and explain the matter and said that they are now reviewing the matter with the help of an outside agency.

"This agency is interviewing and reviewing the matter with identified experts in handling canines, including former handlers with other police departments, an owner of a police canine training firm, and internal K9 supervisory staff," the statement read.

He goes on to explain that sometimes, canine training tactics and corrective measures can be alarming out of context. Stokes also clarified that claims that the dog was tased are not true.