Social media video shows Dayton officer strike K9 partner; Department releases statement

DAYTON — Dayton police have released a statement regarding a social media video that shows an officer hitting their K9 partner.

As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, a spokesperson with Dayton police said the department is working to address the situation.

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Ashlynn Sanders posted the video to Facebook on July 25.

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Sanders said she was going to pick up an order near North Dixie Drive when she saw police detain a young man.

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She said there were around 15 to 20 Dayton Police officers and Montgomery County Sheriff deputies on scene.

Moments later, she saw a Dayton officer hit their K9 partner.

Sanders is a full-time K9 handler and said those actions would be considered abuse at her job.

“It was very upsetting and scary,” Sanders said.

According to the department, the social media video did not capture the “full context” of the incident.

“During the incident shown in the social media video, the canine officer used an open-hand strike on his canine partner shortly after being bitten three times by the dog,” the spokesperson said.

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The department will be conducting an administrative review to learn more about the incident and make sure the appropriate measures are taken.

“The well-being of our officers and canine partners is of utmost importance in providing the highest standards of care and training for all officers and canine units. We are dedicated to maintaining transparency and accountability in all aspects of our operations,” the statement read in part.

It is not immediately clear what call police were responding to at the time of this incident.

We will continue to follow this story.

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