Border Patrol Union Defends Agent in Viral K9 Incident, Calls Video ‘Not Animal Abuse’

Falfurrias, TX – The U.S. Border Patrol Union of the Rio Grande Valley has responded to the viral video showing an agent allegedly kneeing a K9 at the Falfurrias checkpoint, claiming that the agent was using proper corrective techniques as trained by the Border Patrol’s canine academy.

The union stated that while abuse is never acceptable, the actions in the video were not abuse but a standard correction for disobedience, with handlers trained to establish themselves as the “alpha” over their canine partners. The union expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation will prove the agent followed protocol and did not violate any policies.

In contrast, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gloria Chavez emphasized that any mistreatment of K9s will not be tolerated, reiterating that the K9 is safe and a full investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, animal rights organization PETA has called for the K9 to be removed from the handler’s custody and for the officer to be reassigned to duties without animals. They also urged an external investigation, possibly by the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office, and recommended a review of K9 training to focus on nonviolent, reward-based methods. PETA warned that the video may violate Texas’ cruelty laws.

Source: kxan.com

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