PETA puts up billboards demanding action against North Carolina officer seen punching K-9 on video

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — PETA is sending a message to Fayetteville police and city leaders through four new billboards near the downtown.

The signs have a picture of a police officer and a K-9 with a message that reads, “Good Dog, Bad Cop. Bring dog punching officer to justice. Retire abused K-9 now.”

“We hope that the Fayetteville Police Department, city council and residents see the four billboards that we placed and recognize the cruelty that the K-9 endured,” said Elise Fisher with PETA.

In June, a cell phone video went viral of a Fayetteville officer aggressively handling and punching his K-9. Police said an internal investigation that included watching the officer’s bodycam video determined the dog bit the officer. The dog didn’t follow any commands or respond to collar manipulation before the officer punched the dog seven times.

“The Fayetteville Police Department’s response is victim blaming at its worst,” Fisher said.

Fayetteville City Councilman Mario Benavente said, “I think the City Council looks the other way too often when it comes to these issues out of fear of appearing it to be anti-police.”

Benavente was first to ask for the bodycam to be released to the public. In August, the council voted 4-3 on Benavente’s request, but so far, the city has not filed the paperwork with the court.

“My understanding is our attorney office is petitioning for several releases as it relates to bodycam incidents related to our police department,” Benavente said. “I’m willing chalk it up to there being a bit of a backlog.”

A spokesperson for the City of Fayetteville said the petition to the court should be filed by the end of this week.

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