Re: The video showing the York police dog attack during a traffic stop (“York releases video showing police dog attack that led to $325,000 settlement,” Jan. 13):

If ever there were a video to show why dog trainers need to be licensed and regulated in Maine, that video makes the case. Is the dog still on the job? It shouldn’t be. The victim was awarded $325,000? Is that all? What if there had been a child in the car?

The officer didn’t release the dog intentionally: We don’t see the officer cueing the dog, and the officer was surprised by the dog. It looks as though the dog jumped out of the car independently. Maybe the officer knew he couldn’t call it off, and that’s why he didn’t even try. That’s not good animal training, and it’s unacceptable police dog behavior. That dog could attack anyone, no matter how innocent.

The dog should be removed from the police force and the training program should be reevaluated.

Jenny Yasi
CPDT-KA, FFCP (trainer), Whole Dog Camp
Freeport