Crime & Safety
K-9 Kicked At VA Airport Gets Gifts From PETA
PETA is sending gifts to the Customs detector dog who was kicked by a traveler at Washington Dulles International Airport.
DULLES, VA — An orthopedic bed and handmade dog treats are on the way to Freddie, a 5-year-old beagle who works with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, courtesy of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
On Tuesday, the agriculture detector dog and his handler were inspecting baggage that had just arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport on a flight from Cairo, Egypt, when Freddie alerted to an Egyptian traveler's suitcases, according to CBP.
As a Customs officer began questioning the traveler, the man kicked Freddie with enough force to lift the 25-pound dog off the ground. The man was immediately detained and handed over to Homeland Security.
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Related: Man Admits Kicking Customs Dog That Found Prohibited Items In Baggage
Freddie was examined by a veterinarian, who determined the hound had suffered contusions to his right forward rib area.
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“As someone who recently suffered a rib contusion myself, I know how painful such an injury is and how much time and rest it takes to recover, so a comfortable place to lie down is key,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA’s gift of an orthopedic bed, along with appropriate pain medication from Freddie’s veterinarian, will help give him the support he needs to get back on his feet.”
CBP officers examined all of Hamed Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie's luggage, including the bag that Freddie alerted to, and found 100 pounds of prohibited food items, including 55 pounds of beef. Marie was handed over to Homeland Security.
Freddie was examined by a veterinarian, who determined that he had suffered contusions to his right forward rib area.
On Wednesday, Marie pleaded guilty in federal court to kicking the dog, according to CBP. He was ordered to pay the veterinarian's fee and immediately report to the CBP for removal from the U.S. Customs officials reported that Marie was put on a 12:30 p.m. flight to Egypt on the same day.
Due to an uptick in reported cases of violence against K9s, PETA encourages law enforcement agencies to phase out the use of K9s in favor of more modern policing technology, according to the animal rights group.
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