Heroism or cruelty? Animal rights advocates call for change after inmates kill prison K9

GOOCHLAND COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Animal rights advocates are calling for change within the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) weeks after Rivan, a K9 at Sussex I State Prison in Sussex County, was brutally killed by incarcerated gang members.

8News was at Rivan’s memorial service last Thursday, which was an emotional day all around. Now, in response to the tragedy, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sent a letter to VADOC Director Chad Dotson, demanding the department immediately stop using K9s in prisons. However, officials fear that would put more human lives at risk.

8News spoke with Daphna Nachminovitch of PETA to learn more about the purpose behind their call to action.

“The thing is… the dog didn’t choose to sacrifice himself,” Nachminovitch said. “The dog was sacrificed by the Department of Corrections.”

Last week, melancholy music rung out in Goochland County at a memorial service as strangers and loved ones grieved the loss of the beloved five-year-old K9. VADOC Director Chadwick Dotson spoke in Rivan’s honor.

“To pay honor and tribute to this canine who genuinely died saving at least one life,” Dotson said. “He did not die in vain.”

Rivan was stabbed and kicked to death while protecting his handler during an prison brawl involving confirmed MS-13 gang members at Sussex I in on April 2. It’s a sacrifice state officials called heroic, but some animal rights advocates call cruel. PETA’s letter emphasized their belief that VADOC should discontinue using K9’s in prisons altogether.

“This is 2024,” Nachminovitch said. “There are robotics and other high-tech alternatives.”

8News asked Dotson about this last week.

“Those who would say that we don’t need a dog program do not understand the value this canine program provides,” Dotson said.

This comes after Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed legislation clarifying K9 policies in state prisons. The legislation doesn’t restrict the use of detection and patrol canines, it specifies a correctional officer has to believe that using the animal was immediately necessary.

“I’m firmly against anything that weakens our K9 program,” Dotson said when asked about the recent history of proposals which would change the rules for handling K9s.

This discourse has continued to grow and spark debate — calling into question whether its ethical to risk the life of a dog in order to potentially saving a human life.

“This is nothing we would wish on our companion animal at home,” Nachminovitch said. “And the fact of the matter is that a dog is a dog and these dogs deserve not to be subjected to these dangerous situations.”

PETA said they have not yet received a formal response from the Department of Corrections, but they also sent their letter to the Sussex County Commonwealth’s Attorney, who they said responded and confirmed their team is working on filing charges, so the inmates responsible for Rivan’s death are held accountable.