The response follows allegations by a local couple that a Victor Harbor officer was responsible for stealing their Red Heeler and hanging it off the Greenhills Road overpass on Sunday, May 31.
'Red' was found by City of Victor Harbor council staff about 6am on Sunday, hanging from the bridge by a rope, and returned to his owner, Victor Harbor's Hayley Nash, on the same day.
On Wednesday, June 10, SAPOL Acting Commissioner Grant Stevens said "SAPOL has categorically ruled out that a police officer was involved in an incident involving a dog hanging from a bridge at Victor Harbor".
"The matter was thoroughly investigated by SAPOL's Ethical and Professional Standards Branch who continue to work with the complainants on this matter," Commissioner Stevens said.
The investigation into Red being stolen and hung from the overpass is ongoing.
SAPOL previously refused to comment on the investigation, telling The Times on Tuesday, June 9, that "a complaint has been made to the Police Ombudsman in relation to this matter, which means police are precluded by law from making any public comment at this time".
According to the Police Ombudsman of South Australia website, any person may complain about the conduct of any SAPOL employee.
Ms Nash and her partner Paul Benson, of Port Elliot, said the officer's personal vehicle was seen by council workers at the Greenhills Road overpass the morning Red was hanged.
Ms Nash and Mr Benson were concerned that there was not enough "concrete evidence" to lay charges against the culprit, due to alleged delays in the police investigation.
On Monday, June 1, the day after Red's hanging, Ms Nash reported the incident to Victor Harbor Police Station, but said she saw little action.
"They said 'that's not a crime'," she said. "We don't have the resources, I have to contact my seniors'."
Ms Nash and Mr Benson reported the incident to Christies Beach Police Station on the same day, spending five hours giving separate and joint statements.
Ms Nash and Mr Benson want to see the culprit prosecuted and made accountable for their actions.
"To hang a dog off a bridge is just sick and callous," Mr Benson said. "I won't go out in the dark now, I don't go back to my house," Ms Nash added.
"My son won't go back to our house. To instil fear in a 12-year-old is just wrong."
Ms Nash's lawyer, Julienne Murray, wants to see action taken by police to give Ms Nash and Mr Benson peace of mind.
"I'm hoping that the police will do a bit more than has been done, and allay their fears," she said.
Ms Nash thanked the community for its ongoing support, and urged anyone with information to go forward to either herself or police.
"Don't be scared, you can remain anonymous," she said.
(hawkesburygazette - June 10, 2015)
