Investigation Finds No Wrongdoing by Police After Officer Shoots Two Cane Corso Dogs in Poplar to Ensure Public Safety

In May 2023, a police officer in east London was cleared of any misconduct after shooting and killing two aggressive dogs.

The incident began on May 7, when armed officers were called to Commercial Road in Poplar after reports of a woman being attacked by two Cane Corso dogs.

The woman, who was walking her own dog at the time, was knocked to the ground by the large dogs.

She was injured in the process, and her dog was also bitten.

The Events That Unfolded

When police arrived at the scene, they found the woman’s attacker—her own dog’s owner, who was in his 40s—along with the two aggressive Cane Corsos.

The officers attempted to negotiate with him, asking him to surrender the dogs, but he refused.

Things escalated when one of the dogs jumped at one of the officers, and the owner fled the scene with both dogs in tow.

Armed officers gave chase, following the man to Limehouse Cut Canal.

However, he continued to resist their attempts to take the dogs.

At one point, one of the dogs broke free and tried to charge towards the officers.

The dog was quickly stopped by its owner, but seconds later, the second dog broke loose.

This dog lunged at the dog handler, prompting a firearms officer to shoot and kill it in self-defense.

The Aftermath

The second dog was detained by the handler with a pole capture device, but it broke free again, and the officer, fearing for the safety of his colleagues, shot and killed it as well.

After the dog owner was tasered and arrested, police discovered that he had been disqualified from owning dogs for 20 years due to a prior conviction in 2019.

Investigation and Outcome

The incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after complaints of misconduct and discrimination were made against the police, particularly regarding the fact that the man was homeless.

However, after a thorough investigation, the IOPC found no evidence to support the claims.

Later in 2023, the dog owner received a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to owning a dog dangerously out of control and violating his dog ownership disqualification.

He also pleaded guilty to a similar charge related to a separate incident in Westminster, where his dogs attacked a Pomeranian, leaving it blind.

The IOPC’s Findings

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway addressed the outcome, stating that the IOPC investigation thoroughly examined the events, including body-worn cameras, CCTV footage, and consultations with experts in dangerous dog behavior.

Conway emphasized that the officers faced a tough situation and made multiple attempts to handle the aggressive dogs and prevent further harm.

He also acknowledged the distress the situation caused, especially as some parts of the incident were filmed and shared on social media.

While no one wants to see animals harmed, Conway stressed that the officers acted solely in the interest of public safety and to protect everyone involved.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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