The nature and scope of police work often requires entering private premises where dogs may be present, so it is inevitable that police will encounter dogs in the course of attempting to execute their duties. Police should be trained in defensive dog handling – this includes understanding dog body language, how to de-escalate situations with animals, and appropriate use of tools - for the safety of their staff and bystanders, and to avoid unnecessary use of force against animals.

SPCA advocates that TASERs must only be used on an animal when it is fully justified and as an absolute last resort when all other options are exhausted or unfeasible.

While SPCA acknowledges that use of a TASER on an animal may be a better outcome for the animal, the owners, and the Police when compared to shooting them, the use of the TASER can cause serious short and long term physical and mental harms.

In a high pressure, time-sensitive situation, and without defensive dog handling and behaviour training for the Police, it is possible that in certain circumstances that use of a TASER is the safest course of action.

The impacts on the dog’s health will depend on the size and health of the dog (i.e. small, elderly, pregnant, thin or ill more at risk), multiple or extended applications, and where on their body they are hit. In extreme cases the animal can die. TASER probes can cause significant injury if deployed into sensitive areas of the body such as the eyes, throat, or genitals.

Animals who have been exposed to electric shocks such as TASERs are more likely to be fearful after being harmed and therefore may act in an unusually aggressive manner, putting those concerned at risk. While some animals may move away after the TASER stops discharging, other animals may become more aggressive as a result. Steps should be taken during the TASER cycle while the animal is incapacitated to appropriately restrain or contain the animal and avoid the need for repeated applications.

A veterinarian must check the animal’s welfare and deliver all necessary treatment to relieve pain and distress immediately after the incident. Animals may appear uninjured immediately after the TASER has stopped discharging, but it is important that any animal which has been tasered should be assessed by a veterinarian and receive appropriate medical treatment as soon as possible after the incident.