LEOs shooting dogs

[rammerjammer]

Below is an article about the high frequency of LEO's firing on family dogs. Though most of us would agree that the drug dealer with trained guard dogs is a justifiable shoot, many dog shoots are overzealous and frankly cowardly. But if you read the article below, there are a lot of cases in which woosie (I'd prefer to use another term but don't want to get in trouble) LEO fire on "threatening" dogs.

Yes, some cases may justify shooting a family pet but a lot of them involve overly aggressive LEO who resort to deadly force much too easily rather than employing less lethal methods or even retreating. Many departments or agencies don't train their LEO in tactics to deal with dogs which one would think would be necessary with the frequency with which LEO come into contact with dogs. USPS workers conduct 2 hour training sessions every year on how to interact with pets, and have low incident rates of severe dog attacks.

I believe another contributing factor is the militarization of our nation's police forces which has led to ultra aggressive tactics even when dealing with what one may call average people.

Cop Shoots Dog: Untrained Officers Commit 'Puppycide' (PHOTOS)

If you're LEO or in a career that comes into contact with animals on their turf on a regular basis please vote in the poll. If you're an average Joe like myself who doesn't have an expected frequency of interacting with dogs while on the job please abstain from voting.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[HotGuns]

Having been there and done that, let me state that this will NOT become an LEO hates dogs thread.

I have a mind to close it now as a preemptive strike, but I will let it stand as long as it stays civil.

Warning to all that post...think before you post. If in doubt as to if it would fly or not, dont do it.

[txron]

That is a sad story. I have a very black, very big german shepard for the specific reason to protect my family when I am not home. I am sure that if a LEO showed up at my house a my dog was loose, my dog would be shot. He is very territorial and often scares the hell out of anyone the knocks on our door. With that said, it is MY RESPONSIBILITY to make sure the dog in under my control AT ALL TIMES. Either verbally or physically.

[gottabkiddin]

I would imagine it's most always the only viable option they have.

[suntzu]

I would imagine it's most always the only viable option they have.

Disagree. Of course every situation is different. But I would not venture to say "most always".

[Hiram25]

I had no training regarding pets when I was active LEO, but I shot one dog in 14+ years, and that was after it had attacked the wife, then the husband when he got home, then they called us. I have had a dog since I was about 2 years old, and have been around them all my life, I've only run into about 3 really dangerous dogs in my entire life so far, but I didn't shoot the other two.

[mlr1m]

I would imagine it's most always the only viable option they have.

I would say not say that it is the only viable option. Unless by viable you mean quickest and easiest. I do have to admit that if I knew I could get away with it there are a number of animals I might have shot in my lifetime. Ones that while not directly attacking did follow me in a threatening manner. It would have been much easier for me to shoot them and not have to worry about them anymore.

Michael

[Geezer]

I consider my dogs as family. I'll protect them as such.

[mlr1m]

I consider my dogs as family. I'll protect them as such.

You can consider them whatever you want. In the eyes of the law they are simple property and probably not considered a just reason for claiming self-defense or protection of others. Now if your State allows deadly force in protection of property, fire away.

Michael

[Guest1]

In my experience in Iraq and Afganistan they were shot for numerous reasons,disease,rabid,and yes because they were used as early warning devices.Now as a LEO,I have not shot anyones dog,as I am a Dog Lover,G.Sheperds(Adolf,Vltor)But,I have seen numerous dogs sprayed and tased,and this usually works,but I do know of some having to be dispatched,and there is an investigation just as if it were a person.

[mlr1m]

In my experience in Iraq and Afganistan they were shot for numerous reasons,disease,rabid,and yes because they were used as early warning devices.Now as a LEO,I have not shot anyones dog,as I am a Dog Lover,G.Sheperds(Adolf,Vltor)But,I have seen numerous dogs sprayed and tased,and this usually works,but I do know of some having to be dispatched,and there is an investigation just as if it were a person.

Bit off topic maybe,but. Isn't there a investigation anytime a weapon is discharged regardless of hitting a person, dog, or just into the ground? Bring this up because I have friends that think an officer can just fire his weapon at will with no paper work or investigation if nothing is harmed as a result of it. Might be places like that but not where I'm at.

Michael

[barstoolguru]

this topic should be shut down here. it has no good ending and this is something that can't be corrected here.

[RevolvingMag]

I can understand if the dog is attacking, or being obviously aggressive. Not territorial- aggressive. If it's just because they 'think' it is/could be, that's another story entirely.

[rammerjammer]

this topic should be shut down here. it has no good ending and this is something that can't be corrected here.

The same could be said for a majority of threads here on the forum

[barstoolguru]

The same could be said for a majority of threads here on the forum

I disagree; when it comes to officers shooting animals that is a safety call and need to be dealt with on a local level. How many people/dog attacks have we tabled on this site? To many to list so why is an officer any different. To ask a bunch of dog lover if it’s ok to do so only has one outcome... hate. I have three dogs and I am very loyal to them but they are like any animal-unpredictable to the unknown person