A dog believed to be an XL Bully has died after being Tasered by police during an incident at a park.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) rushed to Levenshulme following reports of “men with machetes” at Nutsford Vale Park on Friday evening. GMP said the “aggressive” dog was “released” by a man “in an attempt to evade police” and officers Tasered the dog in an attempt to “safely restrain” the animal. However, the animal later died. “Several tactics were utilised in an attempt to safely restrain the dog,” GMP said in a statement. “To mitigate the danger posed to the public and officers at the scene, the dog was Tasered.”
A 16-year-old was arrested on suspicion of robbery. Another 16-year-old was detained on suspicion of robbery and possession of a bladed article.
Both teens were being questioned by detectives on Saturday, the police added.
The incident has been referred to GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate for review.
The dog’s owners said the were “devastated”, claiming the animal was “registered, insured and muzzled”, the Manchester Evening News reported.
They said the pet “wasn’t interested in the police” and was “focused on [its] owner”.
Footage of the incident seen by the MEN shows a hooded figure being restrained by police. The dog is seen barking before being Tasered.
A spokesperson for GMP said: “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.”
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