Officer Shoots Dog During Drug Raid

The Tampa Triune ^ | Jan 23, 2006 | By JULIE PACE jpace@tampatrib.com

[MRMEAN]

TAMPA - When Maria Rosas heard gunshots coming from the back yard of her east Tampa home, her first thought was that people were getting shot.

Once the situation calmed down, Rosas realized the targets of the gunfire were her dogs. The person shooting was a Tampa police officer.

That officer, Joe Blanco, was part of five-person narcotics team trying to get into a house on 26th Street. A person inside the house was wanted on a warrant, Lt. Craig Roberts said.

Because Rosas' home at 3406 N. 10th St. is adjacent to the one Blanco was trying to get to, the officer tried to cut through her back yard. That's where Rosas' two dogs - Kio and Conan, both mixed breeds - were kept.

Roberts said the dogs attacked Blanco so ferociously he shot at them. Blanco fired about six shots, Roberts said, hitting Kio in the back leg but missing Conan.

The dogs bit Blanco several times on his elbows, arms and hips, and he was taken to Tampa General Hospital. Kio was taken to Hillsborough County's Department of Animal Control for treatment and tests.

Roberts said the person the narcotics officers were pursuing got away during the altercation with the dogs.

A sign near Rosas' driveway warns of a guard dog on the premises. Blanco entered the yard from the opposite side and was probably unable to see the sign, Roberts said.

It was the second time in two days a local law enforcement officer shot a pet dog. On Saturday, Hillsborough County sheriff's Deputy Jason Roberts shot and injured a pit bull mix lunging at him while he answered a call in Riverview.

Rosas' brother, Juan Ramirez, said 1-year-old Kio was a stray that his sister rescued. Because Kio is unregistered and may not have had vaccinations, Rosas could be fined, Roberts said.

[xarmydog]

The vet here has really gone down hill.Wife called to inquire how much an exam would be,and she was rude.She has a lot of bad habits,and I was scepital of her any way.Nearest vet is 1 hr. away.I just got back from VA hosp[14hr.round trip]So I will have time tomorrow to sort something out.Tried your suggestions out.Aspirin really helped.Brushed her teeth with amixture of hydrogen peroxide and water last night.Should have filmed it!She did not want any part of that stuff!Today,she is back to full speed and ate very well.I was really worried because I honestly believe she still has a few good years left.I didn't see her this am,as I left early,but when I saw her when I got home,she seemed her old self.It was like some one had put a new battery in her!Those wiener dogs think they are 10ft.tall and bullet proof!I really appreciate your advice.The swelling under her chin is gone.Wife runs a flower shop,and has been putting in 11hr.days,[Valentines]so she couldn't just take the day off.I will keep you posted,and will continue the teeth brushing and aspirin treatment until I can find a worthy vet.It is Friday,so I don't know if I can find one until Monday But seeing how she was today,I was elated.Will keep you posted and again,than you for your assistance.

[sinkspur]

Unless it's something really serious, animals seem to have a way of shutting down until they heal. I've got a kitten, right now, that has what seems to be a "cold". She's sneezing a lot. She's gone to her bed, stays there all day, and only gets up to eat and go to her cat box.

I can tell she's getting better, because she played with a ball tonight for the first time in two days.

I do whatever I can for my babies because they bring me so much happiness.

[xarmydog]

Do you think she is allergic to something?Have you added something new to your house?I sure hope she gets well soon.I had a cat walk into my shop one day.I had just gotten 3 baby wieners who weren't much larger than a fist,but full of fire.I put on a big show of force trying to shoo her on her way.She just looked at me like I was nuts and walked into my office.Believe it or not, I told the cat,you think your so smart?,you can stay if you can handle the dogs.She did.They got along so fine I couldn't believe it!Ate out of the same bowl,slept together,it was a sight to see.my wife asked me what I named it.I told her cat.We had her for 2 years until some one poisoned her with ground glass.I was heartbroken and I could tell my dogs missed her to.She was one of a kind.My dogs never liked any other cat but that one.