Who expects someone to shoot a dog, that from what I can see, is relatively harmless? Have you never had a dog get out of your house accidentally?
If he had kicked the dog, I could see it. Shooting the dog? Are you nuts? Unless this dog could be shown to be a serious threat to someone, shooting it is going too far.
How can you tell a dog is "relatively harmless" from a still picture presented by the owner?
Dogs act much differently when not in the presence of their owner.
Dogs, genetically, have the capacity of being aggressive and dangerous. A bite from even a small dog can cause significant damage, especially if infection sets in.
Owners have the legal responsibility to control their dog. They are responsible for what their dog does.
I have repeatedly encountered owners who deny any responsibility for their dog's actions, even after incontrovertible proof their dogs did enormous damage, usually to livestock, but occasionally to humans.
Thanks for your reply.
Not in any way carrying water for the dog shooter.
Yes we have had dogs get out accidentally and were very glad they were found or returned without being hit by a car or shot.
I posted because I felt very bad for the dog and the owners dealing with this tragedy.
Perhaps nothing could be done to prevent the bad combination of a dog being out loose and apparently, a mistaken address visitor, armed and willing to shoot said loose dog,
Tragedy all around.
I dont think I could would ever shoot a dig unless it was attacking me or menacing others who couldnt escape or defend themselves.