Four Winds K9, a Dutch company supplying the Israeli military with trained dogs, has been accused of human rights abuse in the occupied Palestinian territories. In an attack caught on video, Israeli soldiers unleashed two dogs on Hamzeh Abu Hashem, a 16 year old Palestinian boy who was bitten multiple times on his legs, arms and shoulder. Company director Tonny Boeijen reportedly confirmed that the dogs were indeed supplied by Four Winds K9. Abu Hashem, now 19, has filed a civil lawsuit to claim damages and demand that the Dutch firm be prohibited from supplying dogs to the Israeli army.

According to Shawan Jabarin, director of the human rights group Al-Haq, these dogs “are intentionally used by Israeli occupying forces to terrorize and bite Palestinian civilians, especially during protests and night house raids.” Four Winds K9 has since denied any liability, saying there is no ban or permit requirement on exporting dogs to Israel, and the Israeli army is responsible for what is done with the dogs. 

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Four Winds K9 to respond. Four Winds K9 has not responded.