To think it’s cruel to bring police dogs into a a massive violent riot as was Southport last night? *edited by MNHQ

[Bullbreedbliss]

The tragedy at Southport has been horrific beyond description and touched us all. However I can’t help but think it was not only ineffective, but irresponsible and cruel to bring dogs into the scene that unfolded during last nights riots. The morning after and we are hearing that dogs have been injured from having bricks thrown in their direction, strangled, kicked and burnt. Bringing half a dozen dogs into a scene where hundreds of people are engaging in such extreme levels of violence and civil unrest was never going to achieve anything except traumatised and injured animals. A poor tactic employed by police at great cost to the animals that did not choose to be there.

Missing the big picture much?

That’s your take from the whole sorry scene? Really?

I think it’s stupid to join in with a violent riot.

We're they trained police dogs or just random dogs? Big difference.

I agree OP.

Whilst I agree with the PP that the bigger picture here is beyond horrific, that doesn't make it right to bring in more pain and suffering

More of a side note really. There are already lots of threads focusing on the bigger picture. Am I not allowed to care about the dogs too?

It’s okay to look at details and the bigger picture. I don’t think animals should be weaponised, horses or dogs.

That’s your thought? Racists try to make the horrific murder of children into a rallying cry for violence, and you’re worried about trained police dogs?

And are blaming the police for using dogs rather than the thugs throwing bricks?

At the risk of sounding like an arsehole, why would you expect thugs who turn up to try to stir up a riot from the mass murder of children to be civilised to their dogs?

What is it about these people that told you they were kind, intelligent, level headed and had a sophisticated understanding of current affairs? The fact they were shouting: “English ‘til I die?”

There’s already lots of threads on this. Why can’t I also care about the animals involved?

Are you talking about police dogs OP? If so, give yourself a serious hard look in the mirror and seek therapy

Er…I think people whose response to the unspeakable murder of little girls is to swallow online conspiracy theories and take to the streets to commit more violence and whip up racial tensions, putting police officers in hospital and an Imam into hiding are disgusting, dangerous and deeply disturbing. There is no part of me that gives a toss about the welfare of their dogs…

I was confused by this post and thought they were random dogs brought in by the rioters! I now realise they were trained police dogs - I don't blame the police for bringing them, I blame the rioters for injuring them!

They were trained police dogs. For them and their handlers - going into this sort of situation is literally their job.
Give your head a wobble.

It's cruel to have a massive violent riot, but yes, it's unfair to involve dogs since they don't get any choice in the matter.

Ooh. A Paddington hard stare.

The OP cares about animal welfare.

I'm sure she also deeply cares about the much bigger, horrendous picture. They're not mutually exclusive FFS.

Exactly this. The police knew who and what they were dealing with. Ofcourse the dogs were going to get injured so why put them in that position in the first place? It did nothing to stop the riot,

Your priority of care should be the brave police officers going in to try and bring order to that thug-life shit show.

I certainly don’t blame the police. I’d rather they used dogs/horses than guns. It’s just sickening that the local people and police have to deal with the lowlife mob on top of the tragic murders.

They sign up and they get paid

Police dogs have an amazing life- they are working dogs, and very happy, healthy well cared for and full filled (in most cases) They were needed - dogs are not brought in for nothing, They will get the best care - I hate it when animals are hurt too - but these are not the animals you need to worry about in the UK this morning

Agree, OP.

But I also think the same about the police horses in London during riots!

It’s one thing to have bomb detection dogs, but in situations like last night the dogs are an easy target.

How could anyone not feel upset that dogs had bricks thrown at them and were burned?

Sympathy is not a finite resource. It’s like love, it keeps expanding.

so do the dogs, in the dog sense- not dog what isn't well suited for police work will get the job, they have to be happy and capable in their work

They were trained police dogs. It was literally their job. They are not pets.
You say the animals didn’t have a choice. Neither do the police officers. They go where they are told. Was it also cruel to order them to attend the riots?