The Use of Dogs in North American Policing: The Veterinarian's Responsibility in Shifting Cultural Norms.

Abstract

This review aims to summarize and broadly evaluate the use of bite/apprehension dogs in law enforcement in the United States of America, focusing specifically on how this elective culture practice pertains to veterinary medicine and the responsibility of the veterinarian. Sections include the history of using dogs as tools of human control and policing, current training techniques used by handlers and officers, the negative physical and medical impacts experienced by working dogs, and the ultimate effect that the use of apprehension dogs in policing has on society and public health.