Would it be illegal to put a harness or vest on my German Shepherd that said POLICE K9 or SWAT K9?... would that be akin to "impersonating an officer"? I've heard that police dogs and horses are not just considered property but officers of the law.
I'd do it just for kicks on rare occasions, not for day-to-day use.
2007-02-05 06:46:35 · 17 answers · asked by Cunning Linguist 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Ok, so it seems some people are pretty adamant about this issue. So do you get bent out of shape when college girls wear naughty police-officer outfits to Halloween parties, or the "cops" show up to you bachelorette party?
2007-02-09 00:23:32 · update #1
No. You can't do that. If it isn't illegal in your juristiction then it is an oversight and they will get you for pretending to be a cop because only a cop would be handling a k9 in public.
Have you thought about what that would mean for your dog and what people would expect from him behavior-wise if they think he is a police k9?
If anyone sees you doing this YOU are going to be getting some seriously hard looks by cops. They are going to wonder why you do it and how you use the dog to gain access to people or places that you might not be able to.
I wouldn't be surprised if they investigated you to see how many children under age 16 you know and if you use your dog and cover as a cop---because if he is a police canine the only personal handling him would be a cop---to lure children.
Even if you only did it as a joke, I promise you that once the local Law found out they prosecute you for anything they could and watch you like a hawk. Their suspicions would be that you are using the dog to cover for a crime---and I wouldn't blame them.
Cops know scum use badges and police paraphernalia to commit crimes and it outrages them. Fake being a cop and they will---and should---come after you.
Ditch the vest.
2007-02-05 07:05:51 · answer #1 · answered by bookmom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
German Shepherd Vest
2016-10-02 12:13:05 · answer #2 · answered by ladwig 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A K-9 police dog IS an officer of the law and yes it would be considered impersonating and officer. If your looking for jail time then by all means put the vest on, otherwise it's not a good idea.
2007-02-05 06:57:44 · answer #3 · answered by Beano 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
nope! your dog would be impersonating an officer. OK, now think of this.....you put the vest on your dog and the dog bites someone?....hmmmmm kinda sounds like you'd be headed for one heck of a lawsuit after you get bailed out of jail! if you do something like this, even as a joke, you better make sure you have the cash for bail and a good million dollar insurance policy. do you love your dog? if the answer is yes, why would you want to take the chance that your dog would be taken away from you and possibly put to sleep. the thing is you never know what can happen and you need to think, before you act.
2007-02-08 02:23:26 · answer #4 · answered by julie's_GSD_kirby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would assume that this would fall under the same legal statutes than misrepresenting a dog as a service dog by putting a service dog / hearing dog / guide dog type vest on a dog. The latter is illegal and punishable by a pretty hefty fine.
In addition, purchasing a police dog / police K-9 vest from a respectable dealer will require you to provide your police credentials in order to purchase.
2007-02-05 06:57:40 · answer #5 · answered by Abby K9 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It might offend someone, like if they were a police officer with a police dog and they have worked YEARS to train their dog.
Then again, it's just like someone walking down the street with a S.W.A.T. shirt or a Security shirt.
Don't get yourself into trouble. I'd keep the vest/harness at home.
2007-02-05 06:53:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
To be safe, I'd call the police department in your area and ask. It may not be illegal, but it may be disrespectful.
I think a better question to ask is why? What kicks are you trying to get? Why not spend the time training your dog and impress everyone around you with all the things your dog can do... not the silly vest he is wearing.
Ask first please?
2007-02-05 07:37:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is illegal to put that on your dog. Most German shepherds are trained aimlessly for years to get them good enough to even become a K9. If you think it would be funny to impersonate such a fine animal of the law I think you are a very untrusting person.
2007-02-05 06:52:24 · answer #8 · answered by -xXx_Lust_xXx- 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
1
2017-02-17 15:10:05 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the police station.
I think if it didn't look like an authentic vest it wouldn't be a problem - i.e. the "ARMY, USMC" shirts they sell on the corner.
2007-02-05 06:52:47 · answer #10 · answered by sillybuttmunky 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋