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Federal officer fatally shoots dog in Severn dog park
Examiner ^

Posted on 08/12/2010 8:58:54 PM PDT by Chet 99

An unidentified federal police officer shot and killed a Siberian Husky named Bear-Bear August 2, 2010 in a Severn area dog park. Conflicting witness statements report that the dogs were playing with each other and the play fighting concerned the officer to the point that he feared for the safety of his leashed German Shepherd. The officer reports that his dog was attacked; while other witnesses state the two dogs were play fighting and the officer shot Bear-Bear before his owner had a chance to restrain him.

Rachel Rettaliata, Bear-Bear's owner, and several neighbors and dog park attendees state that Bear-Bear was a regular at the park and there are no reports of previous incidents. They report that Bear-Bear was a kind and playful dog that was well liked and trusted with children and other dogs. The neighbors and surrounding communities are outraged and saddened by the incident and Bear-Bear’s untimely passing.

Initially Anne Arundel County Police responded to the incident and stated that no criminal charges were going to be filed because a crime had not been committed. Due to public outrage, County Executive John R. Leopold demanded that the case be reopened and investigated further.

The federal police officer has hired attorney David Putzi to represent him in this matter. The officer states through his attorney that the incident happened as a result of Bear-Bear's owner not properly restraining him during the attack. The officer also states that he was off duty at the time of the shooting and was using a personal firearm.

Bear-Bear was rescued from a neglectful situation two years ago and adopted by Ms. Rettaliata and her family. Their family is grief stricken by the loss of Bear-Bear and the unimaginable way in which they lost him.


TOPICS: Pets/Animals
KEYWORDS: donutwatch; warondogs
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To: Jean S

We have a “Dawg Park” rite here in the back yard,,,

No Way I would ever take my yorkie to one of those “parks”.

That way I’ll have Proof of where the POS was When I shot it...


21 posted on 08/13/2010 1:28:08 AM PDT by 1COUNTER-MORTER-68 (THROWING ANOTHER BULLET-RIDDLED TV IN THE PILE OUT BACK~~~~~)
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To: jospehm20
Yep, anymore it appears you have to be ready to protect your dog if there are any cops around.

Well, the gramnatical meaning of:

The officer states through his attorney that the incident happened as a result of Bear-Bear's owner not properly restraining him during the attack.
is "The other guy should have stopped me from using my gun"

just sayin'

22 posted on 08/13/2010 1:30:49 AM PDT by Oztrich Boy (a 16 year old Australian girl already did it. And she did it right. - WWJD)
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To: Oztrich Boy

They were in a dog park where dogs are loose and play. It is not like he was out on the street, minding his own business, and was surprised by a stray dog that came out of nowhere. What was the extent of his dog’s injuries? I’ll bet it was zero. I’m just sayin’.


23 posted on 08/13/2010 1:39:27 AM PDT by jospehm20
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To: Chet 99

I met a guy with two Malamutes at a recent dog show. They looked just like the Siberian Husky in the photo. They were some of the prettiest dogs I’ve ever seen, so I asked him a number of questions. They are very wolf-like, with their tendency to howl a lot. They are affectionate and protective. They shed fur like mad. I asked how trainable they are - not very much, he said. They are very independent and are mostly good for pulling things.


24 posted on 08/13/2010 10:19:07 AM PDT by TexasRepublic (Socialism is the gospel of envy and the religion of thieves)
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To: Chet 99

I hope this incident gets continued coverage and some thought is given on how to obtain civil justice through the court system if this “Federal police officer” is given a blue line pass by the police investigation.


25 posted on 08/14/2010 8:10:59 AM PDT by Truth29
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To: jospehm20

I’d like to know the same thing. Do any Freepers in the field of Law enforcement know the answer? Is this becoming SOP?


26 posted on 09/26/2010 9:08:57 PM PDT by Immerito
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