Man accuses police handler of setting dog on him because he is gay
A gay man has said he was attacked by a police dog as its handler looked on and used homophobic slurs.
The 55-year-old man, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Manchester Evening News that he was attacked by a police dog as he walked in the Gorton area with a friend.
He says at first he thought the dog was a pit bull type but then he realised it was a police dog as the officer approached with a camera with a torch on it.
The man said: āThe handler pulled the dog off and when he saw my friend he thought we were up to no good. He said āYou dirty b*****dā.
āHe set the dog onto me again. He didnāt do anything to stop. It was like he was taking pleasure in seeing me attacked.
āIād say the attack lasted for about three minutes, which trust me, is a long time when youāre being bitten by a dog.ā
The man, who identifies as gay, says he has suffered “flashbacks” to the attack which allegedly took place on 31 August.
āIāll never be able to go near a police dog again,” he adds.
The victim, who provided pictures to the Manchester Evening News, said he had been treated in hospital over a two-week period for lacerations to his legs.
The man’s brother said: āIām furious about the entire situation.
āBeing attacked by a police dog is one thing. But being called a dirty b*****d and having a dog set on you because youāre gay is another.
āThat dog should not be being used by police and the dog handler should be suspended.ā
Greater Manchester Police has referred the incident to the Independent Police Complaints Commission(IPCC), and so has not commented on the case.
āThe case has been referred to the IPCC and we are waiting on a decision,ā a spokesman told the MEN.
āIt is therefore, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time.
āIn Any use of force involving a police dog is recorded by GMP and all incidents are automatically assessed by the Professional Standards Branch.ā
The IPCC has confirmed that the complaint has been received.
