Oakland Police Department Institutes Mandatory Training to Handle Animals

FROM  National Humane Education Society (NHES)

ACTION

Thank the Oakland police department for instituting mandatory training in handling dogs and wildlife.

Along with writing a thank-you note to the Oakland Police Department, contact your local police department to find out what your jurisdiction’s protocol is for handling dog and wildlife issues.

Anthony W. Batts, Chief of Police
Oakland City Hall
1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
Oakland, CA 94612
phone (510) 444-CITY (444-2489) ext. 2489

INFORMATION / TALKING POINTS

According to news sources, “Oakland police will undergo mandatory training in handling dogs and wildlife beginning November 2010, officials announced after two high-profile cases in which officers shot a confused fawn and a barking yellow Labrador.

“The training, provided free by the East Bay SPCA, will include several hours of instruction on dog behavior, local wildlife habits and alternatives to shooting animals. The department's entire staff of 679 officers will be required to undergo the training once a year.”

In addition, the training will “cover signs of animal abuse and neglect, in hopes of increasing the number of those prosecuted for mistreating animals….”

Oakland officers will also be trained in what to expect from and how to handle wildlife to determine if the animal is a “safety threat.”

With so many dogs being shot by police officers, NHES applauds Oakland’s decision.

Thank you for everything you do for animals!