PoliceLink

News >> Browse Articles >> Crime News

K9 Handlers Told to be Considerate of Perps with Allergies, Fear of Dogs

UNITED KINGDOM – Police dog handlers have been told to consider whether criminals could be frightened of dogs before using them in raids or searches.

They should also think carefully about the possibility of suspects being allergic to dog hair, according to draft guidelines drawn up by senior officers.

The proposals follow fears that suspects with medical conditions affected by dogs could sue forces which authorise the animals’ use during arrests or raids.

Serving officers, however, have ridiculed the plans, claiming they would make police a laughing stock.

‘The whole point of police dogs is to frighten people rigid, at least those who have just committed a crime and would otherwise make a clean getaway,’ a sergeant told the magazine Police Review.

‘They should have considered the mental trauma and possible allergic reaction of 60 lbs of foaming Alsatian clamping its teeth to their extremities before embarking on their latest criminal escapade.

‘The traditional shout of “stand still or I will set the dog on you” will presumably now have to become “excuse me, my police dog is quite hairy and might cause alarm as he sinks his fangs into your right thigh – is that all right with you?” ‘

Peter Vaughan, the Association of Chief Police Officers’ adviser on dogs, explained the principle behind the proposals.