A new debate is brewing in Grand Rapids after a violent incident involving a police K-9 over the weekend.
According to reports from MLive, animal rights group PETA is now urging the Grand Rapids Police Department to phase out its K-9 units and replace them with robotic alternatives.
The push comes after a tense and dangerous confrontation on Saturday, May 30. Police say a man threw a Molotov cocktail at officers, attempted a carjacking, and tried to break into a home. Officers eventually deployed a K-9 to help stop him.
During the encounter, the suspect stabbed the police dog before charging at officers with a knife. Police shot and killed the suspect. The K-9, identified as Digo, suffered a stab wound but is expected to recover.
Following the incident, PETA sent a letter to Grand Rapids police leadership asking the department to reconsider the use of police dogs altogether.
