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Handler – PC Michael Judge
Death sentence for police dog accused of killing Yorkshire Terrier
A police dog accused of mauling a Yorkshire Terrier to death – and biting a member of the public just two days before – has been put to sleep. The black German Shepherd, Falco, has been destroyed by Lincolnshire Police. It comes after two complaints to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. The dog, whose handler was PC Michael Judge, was taken off active duty days after it savaged a Yorkshire Terrier called Barbie at Fishtoft on February 29 while being exercised. PD Falco was also accused of biting a member of the public in the Moulton Marsh area on February 27. Barbie’s owner, Charlie Giermack said: “Hearing the police dog has been put down does not give me any satisfaction – it does not please me or make me happy. “The poor dog has been destroyed. “There could have been an alternative such as make it a working dog for the Army rather than marked for disposal. “I appreciate it won’t be out there to harm another dog or person but it could have been handled better. “It is still sad – it does not give me relief or pleasure. It is another dog which has died. It is tragic however you look at it” Barbie had to be put to sleep by vets after she suffered two fractures to her spine. The attach happened at around 11pm when Mr Giermack was out walking Barbie and her daughter, Candy, at Hobhole Bank. Speaking at the time, Mr Giermack claimed it was an unprovoked attack. He said at the time: “The dog grabbed her, and held her in position, shaking her like a rag doll. It was like it was chomping. “I understand police dogs need to be exercised and trained but they should be muzzled. They should be classed the same as dangerous dogs.” Heather Roach, deputy chief constable said the investigation culminated in a decision being made that Falco should be euthanised and this has now been carried out. She said: “This was an incredibly tough decision to make given the nature of the circumstances and the fact that our dog handlers care a great deal about their dogs, as we do as a force. “As difficult as it was to take this action, which was carried out with very heavy hearts, it was decided that the best course was to euthanise Falco to ensure this type of incident never happens again. “An IPCC investigation is still underway so we are limited in what we can say in relation to the exact circumstances until those enquiries have been completed.” The IPCC has said the investigation into the two complaints is continuing.
