OPP are facing heavy criticism on how officers in Kenora dealt with an injured animal on a residential road.
On September 3rd, a deer was hurt when hit by a motor vehicle in a residential neighbourhood in Kenora Ontario. The complaints surrounds how the officers dispatched the animal using the blunt end of an axe.
The incident was captured on video and posted by the complainant Animal Justice, a not-for-profit organization that advocates for humane treatment of animals.
The video shows the two officers approaching the deer who is lying on the side of the road with its head in the air when one of the officers swings the axe at the deer striking it on the head.
The OPP headquarters in Orillia issued a statement Saturday about the incident, defending the actions of the officer.
“Our officers are often required to take difficult actions as part of their duties; the euthanasia of an injured animal is one of them. ” the OPP said in a release. “We want to provide reassurance to the public that we are taking this matter seriously. We are actively and thoroughly investigating the incident to gather all the necessary facts that influenced the circumstances.”
Animal Justice announced that it has lodged a complaint to the OPP in a tweet calling it “police brutality” and said , “It’s illegal to cause animals unnecessary pain and suffering, and police are NOT above the law.”
“We appreciate the concerns raised by our community, and sincerely regret the distress the incident and the video have caused.” OPP said “We remain committed to upholding the trust and confidence of the communities we serve. We will continue to strive to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, compassion and respect in serving the Province of Ontario.”
Was this due to the excessive red tape and paperwork after drawing and firing a sidearm? If so it shouldn’t be for dispatching animals in distress. Beating them to death is not professional nor is it acceptable.