North Wales Police refers incident of officers running down dog to IPCC following public outcry

The officers 'desperately need a crash course in humane animal control,' says Peta

The incident took place on the A55 near Llandudno (Google Streetview)

A police force has referred itself for investigation after its traffic officers deliberately ran down a dog that was running across a dual carriageway. It comes after the incident was condemned by the public and animal groups.

The officers from North Wales Police ran down and killed the dog on the A55 near Llandudno in the early hours of Monday.

North Wales Police said their “overriding concern” had been “the safety of the road users”. The force said that firearms officers had been sent to the scene but there was concern they could not get a safe shot and that the owner supported the police’s decision and accepted that given the risk to human life, the officers made the correct decision.

The incident sparked backlash and thousands of complaints were made by the public, including calls for the officers involved to face criminal charges. Peta condemned the officers’ actions and said they “desperately need a crash course in humane animal control”.

North Wales Police has now referred the incident to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) for investigation.

Chief superintendent Sacha Hatchett said the decision by the officers was “difficult” and “was not taken lightly”.

"The force has voluntarily referred the incident to the Independent Police Complaints Commission because of the level of public concern. It is also being reviewed by the force to ensure we examine options available to officers and we will liaise with RSPCA Wales and others in doing this."

Winston Roddick, the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “These were highly unusual circumstances and it was a difficult judgement to make… I will be raising the matter with the force and I will be asking a number of questions because it is important to ensure the matter is looked into fully.”

RSPCA Wales said it welcomed the police referring the incident to the IPCC. “We understand the Force is undertaking an internal review into how such incidents are dealt with and look forward to engaging with this work.”