Kraus told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Watts, the dog’s handler, was not harassed, but that the player focused on the dog.
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The charge carries a maximum prison sentence or seven years and a potential fine of up to $15,000.
Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong, shown here before a game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, October 4, 2015, in Chicago, may be charged with taunting a police animal by the end of this week.
Pennsylvania law states that it is “unlawful for any person to willfully or maliciously taunt, torment, tease, beat, kick or strike a police animal”.
Charges are yet to be brought against the player but Kevin Kraus, chief deputy of Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that a criminal investigation was under way.
On the way to the field Armstrong allegedly barked and yelled “Hey Dog…Hey Dog” while pounding his chest at a Police dog named Bandit. “He obviously wants me to let him go because he’s being agitated. I’m going to put it in the “silly” category”, Del Rio said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. The deputy didn’t release the dog. The Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office was notified shortly afterward as well.
The local sheriff’s office has notified both teams and the National Football League that an investigation is under way.
“Sheriff’s Office supervisors interviewed witnesses and reviewed video surveillance recordings at Heinz Field”.
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He said the Sheriff’s Office will review evidence including camera footage, eyewitness accounts and a statement from Watts to determine probable cause, Penn Live reported. The Raiders said through a team spokesperson they would not comment.
