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Police justify shooting, killing 12-pound miniature dachshund in self-defense
Pet News Examiner ^ | 12 June, 2009 | Helena Sung

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."


TOPICS:
KEYWORDS: banglist; dog; doggieping; donutwatch; police; va
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To: JLS
Yet the cop defenders at all costs will be here any minute.

Their numbers are dwindling. It's getting harder and harder to be a cop defender these days when they continue to act like the thugs they supposedly are paid to protect us from.

81 posted on 06/16/2009 11:52:30 AM PDT by Drew68
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To: B-Chan

i only lick my own. my sergeant hates it when they are scuffed.


82 posted on 06/16/2009 11:53:08 AM PDT by thefactor (yes, as a matter of fact, i DID only read the excerpt)
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To: fr_freak

A little distrust is not the same as what I read on these threads. And yes, I think everyone has some sort of bias. However, if cops were as evenly bad as I read on these threads I would know far more people who have had bad experiences with them. And I simply don’t.


83 posted on 06/16/2009 11:54:27 AM PDT by brytlea (Jesus loves me, this I know.)
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To: marktwain
Where has common sense gone? I have had to deal with dogs quite a bit, and shooting a 12 pound datchund simply seems uncalled for. How about a kick to keep the dog away while you draw the baton or pepper spray?

It is uncalled for, and this POS cop is a menace with a gun. I have a feeling, though, that the training they get on how to deal with dogs is some stupid-ass zero-tolerance stuff. This is starting to happen with how they deal with people as well.

Zero tolerance = zero sense = stupid people in public service jobs = mistakes people are recourseless against.

84 posted on 06/16/2009 11:54:39 AM PDT by dbwz (DISSENT IS PATRIOTIC)
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To: marktwain
"...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."

Whhhhaaaaaaaaaatttttt???????? You're friggin' kidding me! And this guy is allowed to carry a gun in the name of law enforcement?

Get this guy off the street. Next time it'll be a six year old kid with a toy gun and he couldn't tell the difference and was left "with just seconds to consider his options". Mark my words.

85 posted on 06/16/2009 11:55:38 AM PDT by DaGman
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To: thefactor
Regardless of how the news twists this, or what hypotheticals may be offered up, the officer's actions and the department's backing of him will only engender the disrespect of the police in this community for years to come, and that will only be an obstacle for well-intentioned officers trying to have positive interaction with law abiding citizens and gaining their support.
86 posted on 06/16/2009 11:56:50 AM PDT by Joe 6-pack (Que me amat, amet et canem meum)
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To: B-Chan

It all went down hill when they went from being peace officers to law enforcement officers. Now, their jobs consist of mainly generating revenue for whatever municipality they work for.


87 posted on 06/16/2009 11:57:45 AM PDT by randomhero97 ("First you want to kill me, now you want to kiss me. Blow!" - Ash)
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To: ExSoldier

I’d fire the cop for his demonstrated lack of discretion.

I would not want anybody like him out in society with a badge and a gun.


88 posted on 06/16/2009 11:58:07 AM PDT by Travis McGee (---www.EnemiesForeignAndDomestic.com---)
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To: dragnet2

I have often found (yes, after commenting) that a story, as written was not really the story. Thus, when I read something that really sounds as if the writer had an opinion, I try not to jump in and make all sorts of pronouncements about the people involved in the story. That is all I have suggested. And for some reason, that seems to anger some people.
Of course, some people cannot stand to have anyone disagree with any part of what they say or think (I am not referring to you). As soon as someone disagrees with them, they call them names, accuse them of all sorts of things, etc. We can disagree about things and still be ok people. At least I think we can. And I’m sorry if my tone was a little testy. I really should watch that.


89 posted on 06/16/2009 11:59:21 AM PDT by brytlea (Jesus loves me, this I know.)
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To: jackv

Awwwwwwwwww. What a cutie!


90 posted on 06/16/2009 12:00:00 PM PDT by trisham (Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkis.)
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To: thefactor
You seem to be a fan of sarcastic comments and not debating the facts.

What kind of reaction do you think you're going to get when you seem to be perfectly willing to ignore critical fact for technicality in defense of your doctrinaire conclusions?

91 posted on 06/16/2009 12:00:51 PM PDT by papertyger (A difference that makes no difference is no difference)
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To: jackv

He surely seems to be enjoying some very comfortable bedding! It’s GOOD to be a doxie!


92 posted on 06/16/2009 12:01:09 PM PDT by willgolfforfood
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To: marktwain
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.

Said it all.


93 posted on 06/16/2009 12:02:47 PM PDT by skinkinthegrass (When you put Democrats in charge, stupid / deadly things happen... :^)
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To: Travis McGee
I would not want anybody like him out in society with a badge and a gun.

Clearly...

Then ya get these guys with a heavy badge, that wear, "I am cop" on their sleeves, attempting to defend this, and attempting to discredit the news report.

Never mind the fact that we can safely agree the cop shot and killed a miniature dachshund, of all things...lol

94 posted on 06/16/2009 12:03:06 PM PDT by dragnet2
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To: brytlea
Shall we assume the cop did not shoot a miniature dachshund, and the news story is wrong?

How would you rationalized a cop shooting a miniature dachshund? Take your time.

95 posted on 06/16/2009 12:04:34 PM PDT by dragnet2
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To: Sir Gawain
I have to say I've never had a bad experience with a member of the police department. All of those I have encountered have been professional and level headed. However, it does seem as though things have taken a bit of a wrong turn lately, and it does concern me.
96 posted on 06/16/2009 12:04:51 PM PDT by trisham (Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkis.)
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To: Drew68

I’ve been in law enforcement for nearly 32 years, city and federal and have yet to shoot any animal. I have had to retreat to a safe position on a few occasions. I hope I’m home if someone shoots my Daschund, while he’s shooting at my dog, he won’t see me shooting him.


97 posted on 06/16/2009 12:06:42 PM PDT by ssapro (SSAPRO/ EXBP)
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To: brytlea
A little distrust is not the same as what I read on these threads. And yes, I think everyone has some sort of bias. However, if cops were as evenly bad as I read on these threads I would know far more people who have had bad experiences with them. And I simply don’t.

Sure you do - you're chatting with them on this thread. Also, I'm sure attitudes vary from department to department. If the leadership has the right attitude and is strong, the rank and file will follow their lead. If the leadership is bad or apathetic, then the good cops will be good and the bad ones will run amok. As an example, my experience has shown me that most CHP officers are professional and well-behaved (as long as you are respectful), but the local cops seem to be about 50/50. I also know of some cities here in CA which have big reputations for out-of-control cops, and have heard horror stories from people I know.
98 posted on 06/16/2009 12:06:44 PM PDT by fr_freak
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To: thefactor
...this dog was presenting that threat so the shooting was justified. what else you got?

This dog presented no physical threat so long as the cop exercised the same level of defense he would use against a bee.

Do you advocate shooting bees?

99 posted on 06/16/2009 12:08:20 PM PDT by papertyger (A difference that makes no difference is no difference)
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To: dragnet2
Consider the possibilities:

1. The cop truly felt his life and safety were endangered by a charging elderly miniature weiner dog. He is either an amazing coward, or retarded.

2. The cop felt like, “Hey, dept. policy will cover me in shooting any charging dogs. Target practice time!” In this case, he is a dangerous psycho, who should never have a badge and a gun.

100 posted on 06/16/2009 12:09:45 PM PDT by Travis McGee (---www.EnemiesForeignAndDomestic.com---)
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