Police bodycam footage has been released showing a dog attack – taken moments before the animal was tasered and put into a wheelie bin by officers.
The footage, taken during the incident in Coventry on Tuesday, shows the dog attacking other dogs while people nervously attempt to separate the animals.
It was released by West Midlands Police in response to a witness video – published on social media – of officers tasering the dog and then shoving the incapacitated animal in a plastic wheelie bin.
The force said they hoped their footage would “explain the context” after officers faced online criticism for their actions.
In a statement released alongside the bodycam video, West Midlands Police said the animal was “clearly out of control” and had attacked other dogs before officers deployed the Taser.
Police also said the dog presented a “risk” to nearby people, including children, and had attacked a member of the public who had to use an umbrella to defend himself.
The force also released footage of the dog following the incident after it was claimed that the animal had been killed.
“The dog was seized by the Dangerous Dogs Unit and has since been assessed by a vet and secured in kennels,” a spokesperson said.
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“The dog is fit and well and is being looked after by staff at the kennel and the owner is fully aware of the actions police have taken.”
Explaining why the officers had used the Taser, the force said: “Because the dog was out of control, officers used a Taser to prevent it causing serious harm.
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“Officers needed to contain the dog, so they found a large wheelie bin to put inside to ensure the public, the officers and the dog itself were away from further danger.
“This was a dynamic incident and we needed to contain the dog as quickly as possible to ensure that the danger to the public was eliminated.”
The spokesperson added: “The dog that was attacked is at home recovering.”
A man was arrested on suspicion of obstructing police and enquiries are ongoing.
