As a professional dog handler in the public service, my thoughts and sympathies are very much with Bruce's handler and his family.

If there were more dedicated and professional handlers such as Bruce's on our streets, in my opinion, there would be a lot less street crime and disturbance to the nation's law-abiding citizens.

The pre-emptive and hasty decision by the police to have this dog destroyed is crass beyond belief.

Not only would Bruce's handler have spent many hours in official training, he would, I'm sure, have spent much of his off-duty time continuing that training.

I am lost for words.

-Pat Lyon, Chapel Wood, New Ash Green, Kent