Cleveland Police Hang Dog For Death Of Pensioner
“A 73-year-old woman who was bitten by a police dog as it searched for a suspect in her garden has died in hospital, police said. Frail Irene Collins was attacked by the German shepherd on Wednesday inside her home in Penrith Road, Middlesbrough. Cleveland Police, which has already referred the matter to the police watchdog, expressed their “sincerest condolences”.”
Was innocent Mrs Collins killed by her frailty?
“Police watchdog” Cleveland’s Plods appear to remain , generally, barking mad on Teesside.
The Huffington Post illustrates the story with a picture of a police dog like the guilty (allegedly) attack dog. Which is not named but Fang springs to mind.
It gets better (sadder) and better (sillier):
The HuffPo notes:
It was understood she was in poor health when she was attacked.
Again, the victim is implicated. Had she not been frail when the police dog attacked her in her own home, she might have lived and police feelings spared.
According to Huffington:
“Assistant chief constable Sean White of Cleveland Police said: “Our thoughts are with family members, relatives and friends who will be distraught at this sad news.
“Members of Cleveland Police share the grief that is felt and we all wish to express our sincerest condolences to the family. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been updated and will make a decision on how the incident should be investigated. We are providing the highest level of co-operation to the IPCC and seeking to support the family where it is possible to do so.
“The police dog involved has been withdrawn from operational policing activities and support is being provided to the police officer who was handling the dog at the time of the event. We are committed to learning any lessons that may arise from the investigation and the daily use of police dogs remains operationally important in reducing crime and disorder and protecting the public. Our dogs are trained and licensed for use in accordance with national police guidance.”
There are those of us who have very large dogs. If one of mine attacked a pensioner I remain confident the police would shoot my dog on sight and, if the massively over-armed Wooden Top did not get a clear second double tap shot at the owner, withdraw ME from active duty then kenneled in one H.M. Lillibet’s Rest Homes for Naughty Boys.
The dog is the responsibility and under the command of the handler …not the other way round.
Posted: 23rd, July 2014 | In: Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
