Oakland Raiders linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong under investigation for barking at police dog

Taunting a police animal is a third-degree felony under Pennsylvanian state law

Oakland Raiders linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (Getty Images)

Oakland Raiders linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong is under investigation for barking at a police dog.

Armstrong reportedly lifted his shirt, pounded his chest and taunted the animal in a tunnel at Heinz Field before his team’s NFL meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

The 24-year-old could be charged with taunting a police dog, which is third-degree felony according to Pennsylvanian state law.

The charge carries a maximum prison sentence or seven years and a potential fine of up to $15,000.

Police deputy Maria Watts, handler of ‘Bandit’, the police dog in question, identified Armstrong as the player involved in the alleged incident.

"Bandit was very agitated,” she told television channel WTAE Pittsburgh.

“He wanted me to let him go. I imagine with his training and experience he would have gone to his target who was taunting him. I don't want to speculate on what he would have done," she said.

"No-one in the department, from the sheriff down, is happy about this."

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Charges are yet to be brought against the player but Kevin Kraus, chief deputy of Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that a criminal investigation was under way.

“We were immediately notified about the incident, and we immediately initiated a criminal investigation into the matter,” Kraus said.

“Sheriff's Office supervisors interviewed witnesses and reviewed video surveillance recordings at Heinz Field. We notified the District Attorney's Office on Sunday.

“The Sheriff's Office is currently reviewing all of the information and reports to make a final determination relating to charges.”

Armstrong, who earns $585,000-a-year with the Raiders, was fined $17,363 by the NFL last week for a tackle on New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith.

The tackle sidelined Smith for two plays, forcing the Jets to re-insert starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who had injured his thumb earlier in the game.