TSA condemns ‘unacceptable’ video of agent aggressively pulling leash of bomb-sniffing dog
The TSA agent has been taken off handling duties pending an investigation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An airport security agent in Detroit has been removed from dog-handling duties after video went viral on social media of the official aggressively dragging a bomb-sniffing dog back and forth across an an airport terminal.
On Sunday, a Reddit user posted a video, which has since been taken down, of the Transportation Security Administration employee at work in the McNamara terminal of Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).
“I was shocked at how this airport handler is dragging this poor pup around,” the Reddit user wrote. “There’s no reason anyone should be flipping a working dog around by it’s harness like this?! I have a high energy dog so at first I assumed it was a mistake or that the puppy was a bit over energetic but looks like the handler is just being unnecessarily rough with it.”
The clip was then shared widely on social media. TSA officials eventually shared the video with local leadership at the airport.
“Video showing a TSA explosive detection canine handler aggressively pulling a dog working in a Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) terminal was shared with local leadership this morning,” the agency said in a statement to The Independent. “The behavior displayed by this handler is unacceptable and not within the high standards we hold our officers to.”
The agency added: “TSA officials at DTW have removed the employee from handling duties pending completion of an investigation, and directed that the canine be taken immediately to a veterinarian for a wellness exam.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments