By Canadian Press

Calgary officer filmed kicking service dog was dealing with high-risk arrest, say police

Feb 11, 2021 | 2:29 PM

CALGARY – Police in Calgary say an officer seen on video kicking a service dog regrets his actions but was doing so to quiet the animal during a high-risk arrest.

A 20-second video of the kick aimed at the barking dog was posted online and led to several complaints to the Calgary Police Service.

Supt. Ryan Ayliffe says the move is not an accepted or standard part of training and the officer’s actions are under review.

Ayliffe says the officer and dog were at a high-risk arrest in a firearms investigation and the canine’s barking put police officers in danger.

He says the six-year veteran of the canine unit has an exemplary record and has taken full responsibility for his actions.

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Ayliffe says no one at the police service likes the way the video looked.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 11, 2021.

The Canadian Press