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 can’t bring the dog back, but I just don’t 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."
>.an overreaction
No, how can you say that?
>>dept guidelines
Whew, glad that’s cleared up and his ass is covered. Would hate to think Police guidelines did not allow him to blow away the dreaded dachsund.
The only good dachsund is a dead dachsund.
vick killed dogs for sport or convenience.
not to stop himself or anyone else from incurring an injury.
11 year-old miniature dachshund, a 12-pound dog
Oh sure...
Maybe it was a 120 pound miniature dachshund.
Maybe the cop was only 3 feet tall.
77 year old in dog years.
Cop was probably afraid of the tremendous leaping power of the dachshund and its ability to rip out the jugular. ;-)
If this is true, the bastard should be fired and charged with animal cruelty.
Take one of mine, I take ten of yours. These wannabe military rejects only understand things taught in this manner. Making their family cry is the entire point that needs to be driven home.
Department guidelines?
Small dogs - shoot to kill.
Medium dogs - air strike.
Pits and rots - nuke the site from orbit...
I agree. The officer should have summarily executed the owners as well for putting his life in imminent danger.
You seem to be a fan of sarcastic comments and not debating the facts. So I’ll just ignore you and your lack of command of the English language.
Badge-f—ers here in 3... 2... 1...
Yeah. . .should have just kicked the poo out of the dog when it tried to bite him.
And i had no idea dachshunds were so dangerous. When i think of some of the chances ive taken around them,,,*shiver*.
you guys really do make it easy.
By that logic, the cops ought to just shoot all the dogs n the neighborhood in advance... just in case.
DURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Maybe it's because I just don't have the training or the finely honed reflexes of the cop that shot the 12 lb. mini-dachshund.
What bothers me about these threads is that it brings out people who clearly hate the police. So, when one does something that seems on its face indefensible, they rant and rave about cops being morons etc. Most of the officers I’ve ever known have been normal, nice people who do a job most of the cop haters don’t have the guts to do.
And again, (because someone will accuse me of being a cop defender), if the article is accurate, the guy should not have shot the dog. It seems like a gross overreaction, and I would worry about his ability to make good decisions in the heat of the moment.
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