Despite numerous protests from various sources, Sussex Police took the malicious and callous decision to destroy Bruce the police dog.

Bruce was described as "the gentlest dog in our unit" by a colleague and it was revealed he visited pre-school children.

But, apparently, he was too dangerous and was put down "for the sake of public safety". I am appalled, shocked and horrified that an authority who we, as young people, are taught to respect and trust could take the life of an innocent animal.

Nigel Yeo referred to the dog as a "piece of equipment", and compared him to a car with faulty brakes.

These comments are disgusting and inhumane; this creature was alive and simply did the duty it was taught to do.

Sussex Police have failed to notice the boy who lost his ear was involved in a street brawl involving bottles and knives, all happening in the early hours of a Saturday morning.

Surely police dogs are trained to stop criminals and should work especially well in dangerous and threatening situations?

Bruce stopped the criminal and, therefore, did his duty effectively.

Even if Sussex Police felt they could not continue using Bruce as a police dog, he was a family pet and should have remained one.

Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Yeo stands by his comments and still feels it was right to destroy this gentle dog, who was loved and cherished by his family.

I have now lost all respect for an authority that is meant to protect and serve the public, not ignore and horrify them with such inhumanity.

-Jo Hardy (age 14), Crescent Drive South, Woodingdean, Brighton