***** “Where are the anecdotes which establish this was a problem 20, 30, 40 or 50 years ago?” ******
Actually Cops did shoot Dogs in those days, they were called to do just that.
Rabid Dogs that were threatening people, Rabies is very Rare in Dogs these days, not so much in years past.
TT
(Old Yeller still makes me cry like a little girl)
You’re comparing apples to grapefruit.
We’re not seeing a sudden increase in rabid dogs being shot by police for the purpose of putting a sick dog out of its clear misery.
We’re seeing an increase in dogs unnecessarily and unlawfully shot, dogs on their own property, in violation of no law.