1.371 NEEDED
Police officers were alerted by a disturbance that occurred in the Plaza
del Morro, in the municipality of Arica, northern Chile. Officers were immediately
dispatched at the scene to handle the situation. Unfortunately, they did
anything but that. All the people in the area were asked to present
identification papers. When someone refused, a little argument started and a
tiny, little dog ended up paying a steep price for this. The innocent,
voiceless bystander was tighly wrapped in the arms of his protective owner, but
that did not stop officer Gabriel Andres Duprat from approaching and pounding
the pooch several times, before poking his right eye out. The police officer
gave no explanation for his actions. Outraged citizens filmed the immediate
aftermath of the scene. The dog’s owner is lying on the pavement, crying, in deep
shock, as the police officer walks away from the scene, refusing to speak to
the camera.
The incriminating video was posted on social media and went viral
instantly – it was viewed over 1 million times and drew widespread criticism.
Up to this point, no disciplinary investigation has commenced on this matter
which we, the undersigned, feel is outrageous. There is absolutely nothing that
can be used as an excuse for officer Duprat, who swore to protect the people of
this country, including people’s pets. Witnesses say that the dog did
absolutely no harm and did not even bark.
We, the undersigned, demand that officer Gabriel Andres Duprat is
removed from all duties as soon as possible and charged with cruelty to
animals. This is abuse of power and his actions cannot be tolerated under any
circumstances.
PS. Meanwhile, the severely wounded canine was rushed to the Limari
Veterinay Clinic. Vets could not do anything to save his right eye, which had
to be removed. The dog’s condition has been stabilized, however.
Video source: https://www.facebook.com/barriletezombie/posts/1779320512329557