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Brussels forbids use of police dogs and horses in front line
Police officers in Brussels are no longer allowed to take patrol dogs or horses with them to the front line at riots or demonstrations, due to too many incidents, according to Interior Minister Joëlle Milquet. De Standaard and Het Nieuwsblad report that the use of police dogs and horses in Brussels is now subject to tighter restrictions.
"The deployment of patrol dogs in the front line against rioters is considered the use of an assault weapon and is not allowed," Milquet said.
"We have seen enough evidence of incidents where even highly trained officers did not have sufficient control over their dogs,” said Marc Hellinckx of the Brussels Police. Gert Cockx of the police union NSPV confirms that agents are sometimes even bitten by dogs in distress.
It is, however, still possible to use police dogs and horses for static controls or as a deterrent or preventive measure.
Comments
stupid move=good deterrent with control! Can prevent escalation ...the dogs look fierce (although usually not unless commands issued, if properly trained, that being both the dog & the handler) ...horses are big obstacles & people naturally recoil in their presence... they are used very well in large crowd management where their path provides a barrier across which people will not naturally cross... great asset ...in the rear, dogs & horses are nothing but an expense...