Animal rights activists said they are “disgusted” and are demanding justice after a video showing a corrections officer fatally shooting a dog went viral over the weekend.
The video depicted a group of uniformed officers from the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS), some of them holding firearms, walking down a sidewalk past a residence with their leashed canines when two dogs began to bark at the canines.
One of the officers then retaliated by opening fire on one of the dogs, killing the animal.
The disturbing video sparked outrage from animal rights groups and members of the public who heavily criticized the officer and said the killing was inhumane, preventable and unnecessary.
BDOCS released a statement shortly after the clip gained traction on social media, stating that the incident occurred after the funeral of a late retired corrections sergeant who was a dedicated K-9 trainer.
The funeral was attended by officers from K-9 agencies across New Providence who brought their trained canines to honor the late officer.
BDOCS said the group of officers were returning their canines to kennels located in nearby vehicles.
“At the conclusion of the graveside service, while the K-9 units were returning their dogs to the kennels in vehicles that were parked in the vicinity of Restview Memorial Funeral Home, an unfortunate incident occurred when a corrections officer discharged a firearm after two dogs reportedly charged at the department’s trained canines,” the statement read.
“As a result of the incident, one of the dogs sustained injuries and subsequently died.”
The statement continued, “The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services values the lives of animals and maintains a strong appreciation for dogs.
“This commitment is reflected in the establishment of the Department’s Canine Unit, where all dogs are treated and cared for humanely.
“These trained canines play a vital role in supporting the safety and security of staff, residents, and, by extension, the wider society.”
BDOCS further extended condolences to the dog’s owners.
However, despite BDOCS stating that an investigation has been launched into the matter, animal rights activists have called the incident highly unacceptable and have demanded for the officer to face accountability.
Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness (BAARK) Animal Traffic Coordinator Stephanie Keston told The Nassau Guardian yesterday that the organization, along with other activists, is infuriated by the incident.
“Members of our team, as well as many other caring advocates for all living things, whether aquatic, feathered or four-legged, are infuriated and disgusted by the triggered action of this correctional officer,” Keston said.
“It is very clear in the video that the officers in question with this upcoming investigation had guns in their hands.”
Keston said though the ordeal was heartbreaking and unfortunate, she is grateful that the incident was caught on camera.
“All I can say is thank goodness for hard evidence such as this video that is being circulated and studied,” Keston said.
“The camera does not lie. This was broad daylight.
“It is very clear in the footage that the officers had guns in their hands, they were aware of the dogs as they approached and walked past the healthy, fixed dogs on the very property where they are fed and cared for.
“Yes, the owners should have their dogs contained, but that is another matter and has nothing to do with the action of these trained officers.”
She said, “These officers did not exercise caution but rather blatant force. There is no evidence in that video that the dogs attacked their canines.
“The dog named ‘Trump’ was shot dead by a trained corrections officer that was clearly not trained.”
Keston noted that since the footage has gone viral, even international animal advocates want to see justice.
“We want to hear and know that the officer in question will be denied his badge and his weapon,” Keston said.
Brock North, a senior member of BAARK, said the killing shows a stark lack of police training.
“We will always be the champions of animal rights,” North said.
“It’s unfortunate that this happened, and it shows a clear lack of training … for you to open fire in that close proximity on a dog that was not aggressive.
“Thankfully the bullet didn’t ricochet and hit somebody else, but this shows what we’ve been working on. That we need much more training on the police side.
“We need much more enforcement for animal rights.”
North said, “We have laws. Unfortunately, they’re not engaged. It’s unfortunate that this had to happen, but maybe this can be a reason for them to change.
“Because right now, it’s just not working. Unfortunately, this had to happen for everyone to get involved.
“It’s time for a change.”
The Bahamas Humane Society (BHS) posted the graphic video on its Facebook page, appealing to the public to write to officials at the Department of Agriculture, under which the Animal Control Unit falls, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF).
Department of Agriculture Director Dr. Jason Sands urged people to await the conclusion of a thorough investigation before drawing final conclusions, as he said the officer involved in the shooting is scheduled to be interviewed today.
“While the Department does not condone the inhumane treatment of animals, it is important that the matter be properly investigated before any final conclusions are drawn,” Sands said in a statement yesterday.
“The Animal Control Unit is currently aware of the incident and has already taken initial steps in the investigation.
“Officers have spoken with the dog’s owners and have collected the animal. Interviews with the officers involved are scheduled to take place on Monday as part of the ongoing investigation.
“The Department of Agriculture remains committed to ensuring that matters involving animal welfare are handled thoroughly and in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”
Animal rights activists have long lamented poor enforcement of existing animal rights laws, insisting that the lack of enforcement greatly contributes to instances of cruelty.
