All 17 people bitten by LAPD canines through first 6 months of this year were black or Latino

The number of minority members bitten by Los Angeles police dogs has jumped dramatically in recent years, and all 17 people bitten through the first half of this year were black or Latino.

A new report on the Los Angeles Sheriff Department Canine Special Detail shows that the minority-heavy, urban areas of Century, City of Industry, Compton, Lakewood, and South LA/Lennox, experienced more dog bites than 21 other agencies or stations combined between 2004 and 2012.

According to the report, the number of Latinos bitten by dogs increased 30 percent and the number of black increased by 33 percent over the past nine years.

The report showed 39 Latinos and 12 blacks were bitten last year by canines.

Researchers said they reviewed canine deployment policies, use of force reports and accidental bites that resulted in monetary settlements.

Police dogs cause injuries at a much higher rate than other weapons, including batons, tear gas and firearms, the report found.

Researchers recommended that police improve its canine deployment policies and employ other tactics when force is needed.

[Image via Agence France-Presse]