Posted on 06/16/2009 11:04:00 AM PDT by marktwain
"Killer" the miniature dachshund shot by a police officer. (Richmond-Times Dispatch)Police in Danville, Virginia are defending the fatal shooting and killing of an 11 year-old miniature dachshund, claiming that the police officer who shot the 12-pound dog, acted reasonably and in self-defense.
"Shooting a dog which is actively presenting a threat to an officer is within the department's policy," states a press release issued by Danville Police Chief Phillip Broadfoot.
The diminutive dog, who had the ironic name of "Killer", was known as a "sweet, mild-mannered dog," reports the Richmond-Times Dispatch.
"He just kind of walked up and down the neighborhood and didn't bother anybody," said neighbor Jenine Edmunds. "He was just a little house dog."
Killer and his family --- Tawalin Harper, his wife and two kids --- live on a quiet cul-de sac. "He was the security guard around here," Harper said, explaining that Killer would bark whenever a strange car entered the cul-de-sac.
How did the shooting happen?
Earlier this week, a police officer pulled into the cul-de-sac to serve two warrants to a neighbor. As the officer --- whose name the police department is refusing to release --- returned to his car, "he was surprised by a growling dog running through the yard directly at him from the rear, leaving him with just seconds to consider his options," reads the police statement.
Police Chief Broadstreet said the officer's options in that instance were to run to the squad car, distract the dog, or use pepper spray, his baton or his firearm.
After Killer, allegedly "lunged at the officer and attacked him," the officer decided to draw his gun and shoot the aging 12-pound mini dachshund. Apparently, the officer feared great bodily harm --- perhaps to his ankles.
Harper's children, who were inside the house, heard the gunshot and called their father, who raced home to find Killer laying on the ground "with his guts hanging out.
According to NBC4i, the officer leaned against his patrol car, smoking a cigarette. He refused to give Harper his name and badge number and said "he had to shoot the dog because he was barking at him."
When the officer's supervisor arrived on the scene, the supervisor/lieutenant was very sorry. "He kept apologizing," recalls Harper. "And he said I know apologizing cant bring the dog back, but I just dont know what to say.
The Harpers remain devastated at the loss of the dog they have had and loved for 11 years. "He was a family member," says a bewildered and saddened Harper. "They took a family member away."
Don’t think I’d have pulled the trigger on this one.
The tone of the article left me wondering if all of the info is accurate. Sorry, but I tend to be skeptical when I detect bias in *news*. It’s a good practice.
Yep, point taken. And hey, we’ve made it to 21 posts and no defenders yet. Ive never seen a consensus before!
“If a CCL holder did this it would likely be considered illegal discharge of a gun.”
If Michael Vick did it, he’d be in jail.
A 12 pound dog? I am 100 percent pro law enforcement, but incidents like this are just beyond belief and only fuel hatred for cops.
There is just no damn excuse for this.
What a bunch of pathetic sissies with badges.
His actions as stated appear beyond defense.
If your dog isn’t guilty you have nothing to worry about / sarc. A play on their usual line.
this would seem to be an overreaction by the cop.
the cops actions, however, most likely fall within dept guidelines. most depts allow officers to shoot dogs if the dogs pose an imminent risk or serious physical injury OR simple physical injury. and yes, a dog bite counts as that.
this dog was allowed to roam freely around the neighborhood. what if a child spooked the dog and the dog bit the kid?
i hate giving 'what if' scenarios, but dogs in a neighborhood should be in a fenced yeard or on a leash. if that was the case, these owners would still have a dog. shame.
You know,,nice point. When Michael Vick sees this story, i bet he’s gonna have a very interesting take on it.
i like the “lunged” and “attacked” parts, especially that they happened before he drew his firearm.
i have a funny feeling this guy is not a quick-draw shooter. if he wants to claim its justified, lets see the damage.
So, who hired these cowards and gave them guns?
Shooting a little dog is not the act of a man. If you are afraid of little dogs, I suggest you turn in your gun, take an aspirin and lay down for awhile.
&**^%$##
I'd say the better question is why someone with such poor judgement as this officer seems to have is allowed to carry a gun.
But he had to shoot the dog. He’s sorry it was such a little dog, but the No-Knock Manual is very clear. All dogs must be shot quickly BEFORE you find out you’re at the wrong address.
Obviously, the officer should be far removed from being in a position of authority.
I just can’t imagine opening up with a weapon in a neighborhood, and killing someone’s small dog...
I am trying to imagine the scene, and faces of the family members....Just unbelievable.
And that is more to the point, it’s not simply that officer reacted poorly, it’s that his superiors think this is justified.
IMO the problem is pussy officers who lack the ability to do anything other then shoot, spray or taser.
A 12 pd dog? Is the officer 4’3?
But, you'd still have a person in a place of authority and now he has a real grudge. That's no solution, at all. All that does is to hurt the officer's wife and kids and anybody else who might love those pets. Not to mention that it's simply STOOOOPID to take the life of a trusting domesticated animal in the first place on these grounds.
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