WARNING – DISTRESSING CONTENT
A dog, believed to be an XL Bully breed, died after being Tasered by police responding to reports of ‘men with machetes' at a park. The animal was ‘released' by a man in an attempt to escape the police, according to GMP.
The incident unfolded at Nutsford Vale Park in Levenshulme on the evening of Friday (April 25), where the dog was reported to be ‘aggressive'. Greater Manchester Police said “several tactics were utilised in an attempt to safely restrain the dog.”
The force's statement added: “To mitigate the danger posed to the public and officers at the scene, the dog was Tasered.” The dog later died.
Two 16-year-olds were arrested following the incident; one on suspicion of robbery, and the other on both suspicion of robbery and possession of a bladed article.
They were being questioned by detectives on Saturday, April 26. The case has been referred to GMP's Professional Standards Directorate for assessment, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The owners of the dog expressed their heartbreak, asserting that their pet was ‘registered, insured and muzzled'. They claimed the dog ‘wasn't interested in the police' but was instead ‘focused on [its] owner'.
Footage of the incident viewed by the Manchester Evening News captures a hooded individual being held by police, while the dog can be seen barking before it is Tasered.
A GMP spokesperson commented: “Shortly after 6pm last night (Friday 25 April) we were called to reports of men with machetes at Nutsford Vale Park.
“As officers arrived at the location, it's believed that one of the men released a large dog, believed to be an XL Bully, in an attempt to evade police.
“The dog was aggressive, and several tactics were utilised in an attempt to safely restrain the dog. To mitigate the danger posed to the public and officers at the scene, the dog was tasered.
“Sadly, it has since passed away. A 16-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of robbery, and another 16-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a bladed article.
“They remain in police custody. As per standard procedure, we have referred this to our Professional Standards Directorate who are reviewing the incident.”
In England and Wales, owning an XL Bully dog is now a criminal offense unless it has a valid Certificate of Exemption. This ban, implemented under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, also restricts breeding, selling, abandoning, or giving away these dogs.
Owners of existing XL Bully dogs had to apply for an exemption by a deadline, and those with exemptions must adhere to specific conditions, including having insurance and keeping their dogs on a lead and muzzled in public, but not at home.
