(ARIZONA) A disturbing video from a viewer shows what appears to be a Peoria, Arizona Police officer whipping and kicking his own police dog. The viewer, who wishes to remain anonymous, said it happened Saturday afternoon at 8831 W. Becker Lane in Peoria.
12 News forwarded the video onto Peoria Police who said they will be looking into the incident.
“We are aware of this situation and are conducting a full investigation. We take matters such as these quite seriously. Our canine partners are valuable members of our team, and we want to ensure that all policies, protocols, and training were followed in this incident.”
The unidentified viewer said she first “heard I know you’re in there come out with your hands up.” That’s when she said she went to the window with her cell phone rolling.
“Not at all what I thought I would catch on camera,” said the Peoria resident.
What she saw and what is shown in the video is an officer whip his own police dog with a leash. Then when the dog does not respond the officer walks up to the dog, whips it again and then kicks it.
“It didn’t seem right to me I have never heard of an officer stomping on a dog or whipping it with a leash,” said the woman. “The dog looks like a puppy and looks terrified of him. I think the officer needs to be disciplined or spoken to at least.”
The woman said it doesn’t appear the dog was seriously hurt in the incident.