The police confirmed a corresponding media report on Friday in response to an APA request.
The daily published an anonymous video online showing a Belgian Shepherd dog pulling its head out of its muzzle and breaking away from the leash. Despite being given three demolition commands, the dog jumped on a suspect and attacked the man. “And all of this without ever having received the command to bite,” says the newspaper.
“We are aware of the incident”
The police confirmed the facts. “We are aware of the incident; it occurred after the Austria-Turkey football match on March 26, 2024 in the Praterstern area, in which the police service dog unit (PDHE) supported the forces deployed in a scuffle. In the course of this operation, coercive force was used. Applications by members of the PDHE, whereby a police service dog injured a person in the forearm,” it said.
The incident was therefore documented and sent to the public prosecutor. “In addition, the operation will be evaluated internally and appropriate measures will be taken if necessary,” the police continued.
