PETA asks for legal action against Gainesville police officer

GAINESVILLE - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has petitioned the Hall County District Attorney to charge a former Gainesville police officer with cruelty to animals.

K9 officer Angel Vargas resigned recently amid allegations he delivered electrical shocks to a police dog's genitals during the animal's training session.

"If that is correctly reported, it's just outrageous," said PETA Cruelty Case Worker Kristin Dejournett.

The dog was euthanized after he was termed "too vicious" to be used in the line of duty.

"Affixing a shock collar to a dog, particularly to his genital area, is clearly a premeditated act that shows the intention to inflict pain," said PETA Director Martin Mersereau.

"If these allegations are true, the case takes on even more urgency because there's no telling what lies in store for all the other dogs Vargas intends to train."

Gainesville Police Chief Frank Hooper says he can't say whether the treatment by the officer contributed to the dog's temperament.

Reports suggest Vargas plans to open his own dog-training kennel, according to PETA.

"If these allegations are true, he can't be allowed to continue to train animals in this fashion," said Dejournett. "It's simply unacceptable and illegal."