I am writing to register my disgust at the police's callous and outrageous treatment of police dog Bruce and the total disregard shown by Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Yeo for Bruce's handler and his young family (April 11).

These highly-trained dogs are not just pieces of equipment, as Mr Yeo so insensitively said. These dogs are members of Sussex Police and I do recall them being called members in the past, even heroes on occasions.

I have seen police dogs and their handlers in action and they are dedicated professionals who do a fantastic job.

It is true, as Mr Yeo said, these dogs are not pets but, by virtue of the policy of the dogs living at home with their handlers, they do become an integral part of that family's life.

Sussex Police already has a greatly discredited police force with rock-bottom morale. The way it has handled this case will only serve to discredit the force even more.

I have no doubt the yobs who caused this incident will be let off with a warning by the soft justice system that seems to rule this country.

Bruce was not so lucky, he did not kill an unarmed man. He detained a youth trying to escape from the scene of a brawl, doing what Sussex Police trained him to do. He has now paid with his life.

-M T Powell, Brighton