We are disgusted about the recent case of the Alsatian police dog that was destroyed.

The choice of words about an animal that has been totally loyal to the police in their workforce, calling it a tool, is not acceptable.

The decision to put this animal down was a bad one and one that will do Sussex Police no favours with the public.

It only confirms that dogs in the care of the police are abused and suffer because of attitudes of people such Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Yeo.

The public has not forgotten the cases of animal abuse by Essex Police on dogs being trained and this decision to show no compassion only makes people feel distrust in the police as a whole.

It was stupid to allow this dog to be destroyed and whoever made the final decision should be sacked immediately.

-J Payne, West Sussex Wildlife Protection, Littlehampton