Cops’ B.A.R.K. decals aim to keep pets safe
Dog owners in Pflugerville can breathe a sigh of relief now that the Police Department has launched an initiative to keep pets safe during police encounters.
The B.A.R.K. Alert program, which stands for “Be Aware of Residential K-9s,” is a new initiative where window decals make police and emergency responders aware of dogs at homes.
Residents can place the decals in the corner of the window closest to the main entry of their household to remind emergency responders to take appropriate safety measures during calls for service.
Police Chief Jessica Robledo said the initiative is important to help officers have as much information as possible when responding to emergencies.
“Many of us love our pets like family,” she said in a news release. “The Pflugerville Police Department wants to take their well-being into account as much as possible in the midst of a stressful situation.”
City Communications Director Terri Toledo said the Round Rock Police Department helped Pflugerville police in adopting the program.
“We felt it was another way that we could engage our community in partnerships both helping our officers and furry friends,” she said. “What works in one city can also work in another.”
Round Rock police began the initiative in 2015 after an incident the year before when an officer fatally shot an 8-year-old Rottweiler after responding to a house alarm. Officers fired five shots at the dog as it charged toward them, according to reports.
Round Rock police officers underwent training for handling aggressive animals following the incident.
Georgetown police also adopted a similar program under a different name.
Toledo said that although Pflugerville police have not had any specific incidents involving pets and are trained to handle aggressive animals through a class called Canine Encounters, the department still wants to be proactive.
“It helps the police to know if you have a pet so we don’t surprise each other,” she said. “By knowing if there’s a pet inside before an officer enters a home, it creates a safer encounter for the officer and the animal.”
The free B.A.R.K. Alert window decals are available at the Pflugerville Police Department, City Hall, Pflugerville Animal Welfare Services and several local participating veterinarian offices and dog grooming locations.