Police in North Wales are facing a backlash after officers deliberately ran over a dog in order to kill it.
Officers were called out to the A55 shortly after 3AM this morning following reports of a loose dog running on an unlit section of road between cars.
According to Sky News several attempts were made to capture the Foxhound, but the dog repeatedly escaped and allegedly bit an officer who tried to grab it.
The decision was then made to hit the dog at such speed that it would die but apparently not suffer.
Police claim it was not an easy choice to make.
Chief Inspector Darren Wareing said in a statement:
The only safe option was to run the dog over at sufficient speed to ensure that it was destroyed and would not suffer.
Other methods of destruction were considered, but were ruled out on the grounds of public safety.
Fast roads such as the A55 present inherent risks, and to have vehicles including a HGV having to swerve in the dark was deemed unacceptable as the officers witnessed a number of near misses, and were highly concerned about the potential aftermath of a high speed collision.
Both officers have their own dogs and did not take this decision lightly. Due to the seriousness of the incident it needed bringing to a conclusion quickly for the safety of all concerned.
Needless to say many animal lovers were outraged by the news:
Next time your dog accidentally escapes the lead – the police may kill it. This is beyond outrageous. https://t.co/eLUeEXoQ2O
— Mark Dexter (@RealMarkDexter) February 24, 2016
Dog dies after being deliberately run over by police in Conwy – BBC News Why couldn't they shut the road? ? https://t.co/kEUVhBrBg8
— Hamish (@LynnieYankee) February 24, 2016
Dog dies after being deliberately run over by police in Conwy. Did stopping the traffic not occur to them? https://t.co/JtlZ7OaCAt
— Carl Lander (@CarlJLander) February 24, 2016
So, two fat, bone-idle coppers decide to run over and kill a dog rather than to get out their car and do their job. https://t.co/0CgnESVo5q
— #BrexitWinger (@MaraudingWinger) February 24, 2016
N. Wales police I'm disgusted you murderers. There were other ways! – Dog Run Over And Killed By Police On Purpose https://t.co/Fe7NLwFIFv
— Chris Gordon (@chrisgordon1975) February 24, 2016
But there are many people defending the action taken by officers…
@MsTKIndeed @BBCNews they made a judgement call to kill a dog to prevent injuries to humans… What's the issue? pic.twitter.com/XSXPMgfjLe
— Connor (@CBFulham) February 24, 2016
@WillEvans06 @CBFulham @MsTKIndeed @BBCNews there IS justification whether you like to admit it or not. Harsh reality but reality.
— Robbo (@pdrobertson999) February 24, 2016
@pdrobertson999 @BBCNews I'm an animal lover but cops were right on this one.and yes alotta stupid comments
— monkey poohs (@jimbopoohs) February 24, 2016
@SamHamilton13 @BBCNews Would you rather the dog cause a crash which resulted in someone dying?
— Eulenkoenig (@Sean_Jones93) February 24, 2016
It certainly doesn’t seem like a black and white issue.