Police dog that bit boy is put down

A police dog which bit off part of a boy's ear has been put down despite a campaign to save his life. Bruce, a five-year-old german shepherd, severed the ear lobe of a 14-year-old boy after his handler ordered him to break up a street fight in Brighton on Saturday.

Friends and neighbours of handler Pc Pete Tattum had appealed for Bruce to be spared, but Sussex Police said he had been put down "as a matter of public safety".

A spokesman said: "His return to the force was not an option. Nor was rehoming him. He was checked by a nationally- accredited police dog training instructor and did not pass."

Pc Tattum is said today to be extremely upset.

Campaigner Jenny Simms said: "Bruce was only doing his job. They could have retired him."

Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Yeo said: "A police dog is not a pet, it is a piece of equipment. If we had a car that had faulty brakes we would get rid of it. We have to be as bloody-minded as that for the sake of public safety."