Restrict Police Attack Dogs

WE NEED STATE LAW TO RESTRICT POLICE ATTACK DOGS

It is our job as a community to ensure our government is employing measures that support public safety rather than endanger it.

Yet, California police still use the outdated, dangerous practice of attack dogs to threaten and brutally maul our residents.

In just the last few years, police have used attack dogs to injure hundreds of people across California so badly that these individuals faced a significant risk of death or permanent impairment of a body part. Millions in taxpayers' dollars have been used to cover settlements for officer misconduct.

Despite the dangers posed by police dogs, there are no state or national standards to govern their use.

March 1, 2024 Update: ACLU California Action does not support the existing legislation related to police attack dogs currently pending in the state legislature. Both AB 2042 and AB 3241 would cede responsibility to the Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), which has demonstrated a track record for not being able to bring forth any meaningful transparency or reform for police behavior.

Contact your Assemblymember and State Senator today to urge them to create clear and precise restrictions to limit the use of police attack dogs into statewide law.

Message Recipients:
Your California State Assemblymember
Your State Senator

Graphic of police officer holding back police attack dog with racial justice protestors in background, ACLU logo at corner, caution tape on top
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Your Message
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Reject AB 2042 and AB 3241

As your constituent, I am extremely concerned by the lack of state law on the use of attack dogs by California law enforcement.

We ask you to reject AB 2042 and AB 3241. Both bills would cede responsibility to the Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), which has demonstrated a track record for not being able to bring forth any meaningful transparency or reform for police behavior.

We need the California Legislature to write clear and precise restrictions to limit the use of police attack dogs and protect humans and dogs in our state.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]
[Your Address]

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