Use of dogs at North Dakota pipeline protest criticized

MORTON COUNTY, N.D. — A law enforcement consultant who trains police dogs is among those condemning the use of guard dogs at a pipeline protest site and says she plans to file a complaint about the dogs’ owner.

Jonni Joyce of Martin, S.D., who has trained professional dogs since 1988, watched video from Saturday’s protest at the Dakota Access Pipeline site and called it “a dark day” for her industry. Some protesters reported being bitten by the dogs, and video from Democracy Now! shows a German shepherd with its mouth covered in blood.

“Taking bite dogs and putting them at the end of a leash to intimidate, threaten and prevent crime is not appropriate,” Joyce said. “It was absolutely appalling. … For a private corporation to utilize dogs in this fashion is reprehensible.”

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4109645-use-dogs-north-dakota-pipeline-protest-criticized