Sickening "Dog Wars" Game Muzzled
When the media started calling for the LAPPL's comment on a new Android video game app, we took one look at the content and decided to take the gloves off. The game in question was the sickening "Dog Wars," which lets players raise and train their virtual dogs to fight.

Editor's Note: This blog post first appeared on the Los Angeles Police Protective League's website.
When the media started calling on Tuesday for the League's comment on a new Android video game app, we took one look at the content and decided to take the gloves off. The game in question was the sickening "Dog Wars," which lets players raise and train their virtual dogs to fight. "Raise your dog to beat the best," read the app's tag line, while the website offering it as a free download invited visitors to "Feed, water, train and FIGHT your virtual dog against other players."
League President Paul Weber fielded media calls throughout the day, branding the game as "sickening" and calling for its immediate removal from the website and the Android Market. "It's absolutely the wrong message to send our children," Weber told the Los Angeles Times, "because it encourages cruelty to dogs and could serve as a virtual training ground for people to try dog fighting in real life."
Particularly galling to us was the note on the game's website touting player options including a "gun for police raids" and the ability to "inject the dog with steroids." At a time marked by rising violence against police officers nationwide, this was completely irresponsible and offensive.
Shortly after the League's widely covered news conference on Tuesday afternoon, the game was removed from the Android Market. We don't know whether Kage Games, the developer, decided to take it down or whether Google removed it as a terms-of-service violation, but in a letter to Google CEO Larry Page, Weber asked that the game's removal be made permanent. It's the right thing to do.
More Blog Posts
Preventing Heat Injury in Police K-9s
In the relentless heat of summer and even early fall in some parts of the country, officers face the important task of protecting their K-9 partners while working in sweltering temperatures. Recognizing changes in a dog’s behavior is the key.
Read More →Why Your Agency Needs to Attend the ILEETA Conference
ILEETA is a complete resource for trainers to address trainers' needs. Its mission is to enhance the skills and safety of criminal justice practitioners while fostering stronger and safer communities.
Read More →IACP 2023: New Training Products
Technologies for improving law enforcement training and training management were some of the highlights at this year's show.
Read More →Initial Results Released from MSP 2024 Police Vehicle Testing
The 2024 pursuit-rated vehicles--all pickup trucks or SUVs, including two battery electric models the Chevrolet Blazer EV AWD and Ford Mustang Mach-E--were put through their paces.
Read More →Officer Safety Considerations Related to Alternative-Fuel Vehicles
As more alternative-fuel and hybrid vehicles hit the road, police and other first responders need to understand that they are no more dangerous than conventional vehicles. However, there are certain safety considerations every cop should know.
Read More →Garmont Working to Grow LE Market Presence
Garmont Tactical has found wide acceptance by military boot buyers, but now the company is trying to better respond to the needs of police officers. Many cops now are not fans of 8-inch boots, so Garmont is adapting.
Read More →Publisher’s Note: Our Commitment to You
Through our magazine and website and our Police Technology eXchange event, we promise to provide you with information and access to resources to help you do your job safer and better.
Read More →10 Tips for Responding to Mental Health Crisis Calls
The Harris County Sheriff's Office is a model for other agencies that want to learn about crisis intervention and mental health crisis response. Sgt. Jose Gomez shares the story of their programs and provides 10 tips for mental health crisis call response
Read More →5 Things to Know When Buying Concealed-Carry or Off-Duty Holsters
Mike Barham, of Galco Holsters, shares five important considerations to keep in mind when you buy off-duty concealed or plain-clothes carry holsters.
Read More →10 Tips for Reviewing Use-of-Force Reports
While the burden of accurately reporting use-of-force situations is on an individual deputy or officer, the person reviewing those reports shares in the responsibility of making sure the reporting is done properly, with clear details included.
Read More →








