Man Faces Animal Cruelty Probe After Punching Police Dog During Arrest
A 28-year-old man is under investigation for animal cruelty after repeatedly punching a police dog that helped officers arrest him in west London. The shocking incident unfolded after a string of assaults and robbery attempts in Hayes.
Victim Attacked in Coldharbour Lane
The drama began around 10.20pm on Tuesday, 28 August, when police were called to Coldharbour Lane, Hayes, following reports of an assault. A woman told officers she was walking along the pavement, scrolling on her phone, when a man struck her from behind, hitting her on the back of the head. Before she could react, he punched her again in the right arm. The victim fled to a nearby property to call the police while the suspect ran off.
Suspect Tries to Rob Woman on Bus
Just an hour later, officers were alerted to an attempted robbery on a bus in North Hyde Road, Hayes. The female victim said a man repeatedly tried to snatch her phone before fleeing the scene once the bus stopped. The Met’s Dog Support Unit was quickly called in to hunt the suspect.
Police Dog Ernie Saves the Day – But Gets Hurt
Police Dog Ernie and two officers tracked the suspect to Almond Avenue, West Drayton, where he was caught after a tough struggle. During the arrest, the man punched Ernie repeatedly. The suspect was then arrested on suspicion of robbery, resisting arrest, common assault, and animal cruelty.
The man was treated in a west London hospital for a dog bite, but his injuries are not life-threatening. He was later released under investigation as inquiries continue.
“I am incredibly proud of the officers involved and Ernie, who was injured by an individual intent on stealing from and harming the public,” said Superintendent Emma Richards of the Met’s Taskforce.
“Violence against anyone – the public, officers, or police animals – is completely unacceptable. This should send a clear message: we take such acts seriously.”
The Met’s Dog Support Unit regularly protects the public, apprehends offenders, and removes dangerous weapons from the streets – with Ernie’s bravery just the latest example of their vital work.
